Satara: The family of the woman doctor who allegedly died by suicide in Satara, Maharashtra, has raised serious concerns over the circumstances of her death, demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry into the case. They claim the 33-year-old medical officer had been under intense political and police pressure for over a year and was coerced into manipulating official medical reports.
Speaking to the media, the victim’s cousin alleged that the doctor had been harassed and intimidated by local authorities to falsify post-mortem and fitness certificates. “She was continuously pressured by influential individuals and police officials. The hospital staff also played a role. She was often made to perform excessive post-mortems even when other doctors were available,” the cousin stated.
The family has also questioned the handling of her body after her death, accusing officials of procedural irregularities. “After she died, her body was moved to the hospital without our knowledge. The post-mortem was delayed for hours and not conducted in our presence. This entire process raises serious doubts,” the cousin added.
The relatives suspect that the doctor may have left another suicide note, claiming she had been maintaining written records of her grievances. “She was someone who believed in fighting back. She wrote detailed complaints before. It’s hard to believe she would end her life leaving just a few words on her palm,” the cousin said.
According to police reports, the doctor was found dead at her residence on Thursday, with a message written on her hand naming a police sub-inspector and two others. Following the revelation, Sub-Inspector Gopal Badne and Prashant Bankar were arrested and charged with rape and abetment to suicide, while the accused officer has been suspended from duty.
The victim’s family, however, remains unconvinced by the ongoing investigation and has demanded an SIT probe led by a woman officer from outside Maharashtra, alleging that local law enforcement officials could influence the outcome.
As the case continues to stir outrage, rights activists and medical associations have called for transparency and justice, emphasizing the need for systemic reform to protect whistleblowers and women professionals working under institutional pressure.
