‘Institutional murder’: Rahul Gandhi on Maharashtra doctor’s suicide, says ‘it exposes inhumane face of BJP govt’

“A promising doctor daughter, who aspired to alleviate the pain of others, became a victim of persecution by criminals entrenched in a corrupt system and power structure,” he added.

Launching a sharp attack on the government, Gandhi said, “The very authority tasked with protecting the public from criminals committed the most heinous crime against this innocent woman—rape and exploitation.”

He further alleged that, according to reports, some influential individuals associated with the BJP also attempted to pressure her into corruption.

“This is the most despicable example of a criminally protected ideology. This is not a suicide—it is an institutional murder,” Gandhi said.

“When power becomes a shield for criminals, from whom can justice be expected? Dr. Sampada’s death exposes the inhumane and insensitive face of this BJP government.”

Expressing solidarity with the victim’s family, he added, “We stand firmly with the victim’s family in this fight for justice. For every daughter of India—no more fear, we demand justice.”

What had happened

A 29-year-old doctor at a hospital in Maharashtra’s Satara district allegedly died by suicide, leaving a note on her palm stating that she was raped multiple times by sub-inspector Gopal Badane and sexually harassed and assaulted by Prashant Bankar, police said.

According to police, Bankar is the son of the owner of the house where the doctor was living on rent in Phaltan.

The doctor, originally from Beed district, was posted as a medical officer at a hospital in Phaltan town. Her body was found by hotel staff at a Phaltan lodge on Thursday night; police said she had checked in the previous day.

Satara SP Tushar Doshi said police have booked sub-inspector Gopal Badane and Prashant Bankar on charges of rape and abetment of suicide.

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