'He Raped Me Four Times’: Doctor’s Death Raises Alarming Questions

In the tragic and disturbing case of  27-year-old woman doctor, who allegedly took her own life left a note accusing a police sub-inspector of repeated sexual assault and harassment. Dr. Sampada Munde was found dead in a hotel in Satara district on Thursday night. A handwritten note on her hand and a letter addressed to the Deputy Superintendent of Police have revealed harrowing details of alleged abuse spanning several months.

According to sources, Dr. Munde, who worked at the Phaltan Sub-District Hospital, accused Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Gopal Badne of raping her four times over a five-month period. Her handwritten note reportedly stated, “Police officer Gopal Badne is the reason I died. He raped me four times and subjected me to mental and physical torture.” The note has become central to the investigation, intensifying outrage across the state.

Officials confirmed that Dr. Munde had previously raised complaints about police harassment in a formal letter dated June 19, addressed to the Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Phaltan Sub-Divisional Office. In the letter, she named three officers — Badne, Sub-Divisional Inspector Patil, and Assistant Inspector Ladputre — alleging severe harassment and pleading for immediate action. Despite her appeal, the issue reportedly remained unresolved, deepening the anguish that ultimately led to her suicide.

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The incident has sparked a major political and public outcry, with demands for accountability and justice. State Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar criticized the ruling Mahayuti government, asking why no action was taken despite prior complaints. “When the protector becomes the predator, how can justice prevail? This is a failure of the system. Those who ignored her plea must also be held accountable,” he stated.

Following the public outrage, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the immediate suspension of PSI Gopal Badne and called for a thorough probe. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has assured swift action, with the Satara Superintendent of Police confirming that an FIR is being registered and search teams have been deployed to trace the accused. BJP Women’s Wing President Chitra Wagh urged women to use the 112 helpline and assured full government support in cases of harassment.

The tragic death of Dr. Sampada Munde has reignited a broader debate about the safety of women professionals and the need for stronger accountability in law enforcement. Advocates and activists are calling for structural reforms to ensure that allegations of harassment — especially those involving police officers — are addressed promptly and transparently. As Maharashtra mourns the loss of a promising young doctor, her death stands as a grim reminder of systemic failures and the urgent need for justice and reform.

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