'Could have saved her on timely action or if she had spoken up': Maharashtra Police on doctor's suicide after her death note created tremors

Speaking to PTI, Satara Additional SP Vaishali Kaduskar said, "If action had been taken on the complaint of that woman doctor in time... or if she herself had told someone about the atrocities being committed against her... then perhaps her life could have been saved today. As a female police officer, I anguished and pained over this incident."

In a suicide note written on her palm in Marathi, the deceased alleged she was raped four times by Phaltan City Police Station sub-inspector (PSI) Gopal Badane, who was suspended in the wake of the incident.

In the same note, she accused Prashant Bankar, the son of the deceased's landlord, of physically and mentally harassing her for five months.

While Bankar has been arrested, Badane is still at large. A search operation to arrest Badane is underway.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who had immediately ordered the PSI's suspension, has directed a thorough investigation.

Minister Pankaja Munde urged that there be no “media trial” but assured a detailed forensic probe. 

The ruling alliance in Maharashtra has faced pressure to demonstrate accountability and action.

The Congress has criticised the government, saying this case highlights a breakdown in law and order and the failure to protect women.

Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar posted on X, "The duty of the police is to protect, but if they themselves are exploiting a female doctor, how will justice be served? Why was no action taken when this girl had previously lodged a complaint? The Mahayuti government repeatedly shields the police, which is leading to an increase in police atrocities.

"Merely ordering an inquiry in this case is not enough. These police officers should be sacked from their jobs, otherwise, they could exert pressure on the investigation. Why was her earlier complaint not taken seriously? Those who ignored it and those who shielded these police officers should face action. Until action is taken against the police, police atrocities will not be curbed."