Maharashtra Doctor Suicide: Police arrest landlord’s son, search on for cop accused of rape
Maharashtra Police arrested Prashant Bankar on Saturday in connection with the suicide of a 29-year-old woman doctor in Phaltan, Satara district. Bankar is the son of the doctor’s landlord and one of the two accused in the case.
Satara Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi said officers took Bankar into custody early Saturday and will produce him in court later in the day. Meanwhile, the other accused, police sub-inspector (PSI) Gopal Badane, remains on the run. Police teams continue to search for him across the district.
The case surfaced on Thursday night when the young doctor was found hanging inside a hotel room in Phaltan town. Investigators recovered a note written on her palm in Marathi. The note accused PSI Badane of raping her four times and alleged that Bankar had mentally and physically harassed her for nearly five months.
Investigators said the victim worked as a medical officer at a government hospital in Phaltan on a contractual basis. She belonged to Beed district and was reportedly related to PSI Badane. Her colleagues told police that she appeared disturbed in recent weeks and had complained about repeated harassment.
Following the discovery of the body, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Badane and Bankar on charges of rape and abetment to suicide. The authorities suspended PSI Badane immediately after the allegations emerged. Police also sent the body for post-mortem examination at a government hospital in Satara.
SP Doshi said forensic experts are examining the note found on the victim’s palm to confirm its authenticity. He added that police are collecting call records, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen the case. “We are pursuing all leads to ensure both accused face justice,” he said.
As news of the doctor’s death spread, anger erupted in the local community. Residents gathered outside the Phaltan police station on Friday, demanding strict action. Women’s groups and medical associations condemned the incident and called for stronger workplace safety measures for women doctors posted in rural areas.
Leaders from various political parties also weighed in. Several demanded an independent investigation, arguing that one of the accused is a police officer. Opposition parties urged the government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure transparency.
Doctors’ associations across Maharashtra expressed shock over the incident. They said young medical professionals, especially women in rural postings, often face unsafe working conditions. The associations appealed to the state government to review safety protocols and provide better support systems.
By Saturday evening, police increased deployment around Phaltan to maintain order. Investigators continued to track the movements of the absconding officer. Officials said teams have been sent to Beed and Pune to locate him.
The tragic case has reignited debate over safety and accountability within the police force and healthcare sector. Authorities said they will continue the probe until both accused face the law.
