Phaltan, Maharashtra— Police sub-inspector Gopal Badane has been dismissed from service following his alleged involvement in the suicide of a 29-year-old woman doctor, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The action was announced by Kolhapur Range Special Inspector General Sunil Phulari.
The young doctor was found dead in a Phaltan hotel room on October 23. A post-mortem examination revealed that she died of asphyxia due to hanging, with no evidence of external or internal injuries.
Investigators recovered a suicide note from her hand, naming Badane and software engineer Prashant Bankar. Both men have been arrested. Badane faces charges of rape and sexual assault, while Bankar has been booked for harassment.
According to officials, the deceased had previously lodged multiple complaints against Badane and other police personnel. Her family alleged that she was coerced into falsifying medical and post-mortem reports for the police — an accusation now under investigation.
Maharashtra State Women’s Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar visited the Phaltan Sub-District Hospital to review the case. She stated that the doctor had last contacted Bankar before her death and had not spoken to Badane for months. Chakankar also confirmed that the victim had argued with Bankar a day before she checked into the hotel.
Authorities are now searching for Badane’s missing mobile phone, believed to contain crucial evidence. Police have already obtained the call detail records of the victim and both accused to strengthen the probe.
