Police sub-inspector Gopal Badane, who is accused of sexually assaulting a female doctor in Maharashtra’s Satara district, was apprehended on Saturday evening following the arrest of a co-accused earlier in the day. The other suspect, software engineer Prashant Bankar, mentioned in the doctor’s suicide note, was detained by Phaltan police in Pune.
PSI Badane voluntarily turned himself in at the Phaltan Rural Police Station, as confirmed by Satara SP Tushar Doshi. Bankar, facing charges of abetting suicide for allegedly mentally tormenting the victim, appeared before a Satara district court. He was remanded to police custody for four days.
The doctor, hailing from Beed district and working at a government hospital in Satara, was discovered deceased in a Phaltan hotel room. In her suicide note, inscribed on her palm, she accused PSI Badane of raping her on multiple occasions and Bankar of subjecting her to mental harassment.
Both Badane and Bankar are implicated in a case of rape and abetment of suicide in Phaltan, Satara district. Bankar is identified as the son of the doctor’s landlord, with whom she had communicated before her tragic death.
Sub-inspector Badane was suspended following his implication in the investigation. The doctor was laid to rest in her hometown in Beed’s Wadwani tehsil. Her family members are advocating for severe punishment for the perpetrators, highlighting the doctor’s unheeded complaints of harassment.
Allegations have emerged involving political figures pressuring the doctor in the past. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve accused ex-BJP MP Ranjitsingh Naik Nimbalkar of exerting influence, a claim denied by Nimbalkar. BJP MLA Suresh Dhas has called for the MP allegedly involved to face charges in the case.
Earlier, the doctor had raised concerns about facing threats and discrimination from authorities in Satara district. Her relatives and colleagues have alleged deliberate mistreatment by the hospital administration.
The doctor’s family revealed her aspirations for further studies in medicine, with hopes of pursuing an MD degree. Her uncle disclosed her ambitions and financial struggles, citing her desire to continue her medical education beyond MBBS.
In light of inputs from PTI, the tragic incident continues to spark discussions and demands for justice in the community.