Chief Minister Orders SIT Probe
By | Pravin Kadam
Satara : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the tragic death of a young government doctor in Phaltan, Satara district. The move follows the discovery of a suicide note allegedly naming police officers and others, prompting demands for an impartial and transparent inquiry.
The SIT will be headed by IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute, and has been directed to conduct a detailed probe into all allegations surrounding the case.
Tragic Incident That Shocked Maharashtra
The 28-year-old woman doctor, posted at the Phaltan Sub-District Hospital, was found dead in a local lodge on October 23.
According to reports, she had written a note on her palm accusing Police Sub-Inspector Gopal Badane and local techie Prashant Bankar of harassment and sexual exploitation.
The case took a disturbing turn when family members alleged that the handwriting on her palm did not match her own, suggesting possible foul play.
Key Arrests and Forensic Seizures
Authorities have since arrested both accused persons — PSI Badane and Prashant Bankar. Investigators seized mobile phones, laptops, and pen drives from the accused for forensic examination to verify digital evidence and online communication records.
According to Maharashtra Times, the SIT has already recovered photos, screenshots, and videos linked to the case, which are now under forensic scrutiny.
Public and Medical Fraternity Outrage
The death has triggered statewide protests across government hospitals. Resident doctors, under the banner of Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD), wore black ribbons to demand justice and protection for women doctors working in rural and semi-urban areas.
Medical associations have called for a judicially monitored investigation, expressing concern over institutional negligence and inadequate internal grievance mechanisms.
Government and Political Reactions
Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Neelam Gorhe, has directed officials in Satara to submit two-year reports from “Vishakha Committees” (committees to handle sexual harassment complaints) in all government hospitals.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have accused the state government of shielding influential individuals, including a former MP mentioned in reports, and have demanded that the SIT be monitored by the judiciary for transparency.
Chief Minister Fadnavis dismissed such allegations, saying the government is “committed to a fair probe” and that “no one will be spared if found guilty.”
Family’s Call for Justice
The doctor’s family has maintained that their daughter repeatedly complained about harassment and that her concerns were ignored by authorities.
Her sister has requested the SIT to conduct a handwriting analysis of the palm note and examine all CCTV footage from the hotel premises for clarity on the sequence of events leading to her death.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The SIT will now:
Examine digital and forensic evidence recovered from the accused.
Verify the authenticity of the suicide note and handwriting.
Re-evaluate earlier complaints and actions (or inaction) by police officials.
Submit a comprehensive report to the Home Department and Chief Minister’s Office within a fixed timeframe.
Why This Case Matters
The Phaltan doctor’s death has exposed deep institutional lapses in workplace safety, gender sensitivity, and internal redress systems within the state’s public health sector.
It has also reignited debate about police accountability, women’s security, and the need for systemic reforms to prevent harassment in government workplaces.
