Maharashtra leaders demand SIT probe into woman doctor’s suicide

Political leaders across Maharashtra have called for an independent inquiry and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged suicide of 28-year-old Dr. Sampada Mundhe in Satara district.

Dr. Mundhe, originally from Beed district and posted at the government hospital in Phaltan, was found dead in a hotel room on Thursday night. In a suicide note written on her palm, she accused Sub-Inspector Gopal Badane of repeated sexual assault and Prashant Bankar , a software engineer, of mental harassment. A case of abetment of suicide has been registered against both.

Reports indicate that Dr. Mundhe faced immense pressure from police officials and political figures to manipulate post-mortem and medical test reports of arrested individuals. Her cousin claimed that she had tried to raise complaints about this harassment, but no action was taken. She also alleged threats and intimidation linked to her Marathwada origins and surname , suggesting possible discrimination.

Following the incident, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spoke to the Satara Superintendent of Police and ordered the immediate suspension of the police officer Gopal Badane which she named in her suicide note .

Opposition leaders targeted the state government over the incident. NCP leader Dhananjay Munde and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve have demanded an independent inquiry, insisting that officials from outside Satara district handle the investigation. Munde emphasized that ignoring her complaints due to her origins would be a serious violation of justice.

State leaders have promised impartial investigations. Cabinet Minister Pankaja Munde stressed a thorough forensic probe while warning against a media trial. Minister of State for Health Meghna Bordikar stated that the Satara civil surgeon reported Dr. Mundhe had not formally complained about harassment. Environment Minister Shambhuraj Desai assured that the probe would be impartial.

Opposition leaders, including Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant and Shiv Sena UBT spokesperson Sushma Andhare , condemned the incident, calling it a failure of law and order in Maharashtra and demanding a SIT probe.

The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has condemned the suicide and initiated a statewide ‘black ribbon protest’, demanding immediate arrests and transfer of the investigation to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining the circumstances that led to Dr. Mundhe’s tragic death and ensuring accountability for those involved.