Satara (Maharashtra): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday extended his support to a former BJP MP facing allegations in connection with the suicide of a 28-year-old doctor in Phaltan, Satara district. Opposition leaders have alleged that the doctor was under pressure to alter medical reports before her death.
Social Media Outrage and Demand for Justice
The tragic incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with the hashtag #JusticeForSataraDoctor trending on social media platforms. Doctors and citizens across India have demanded an SIT probe and ₹5 crore compensation for the victim’s family.
Doctor’s Death and Suicide Note Allegations
Earlier this month, the young doctor’s body was recovered from a hotel room in Phaltan town. A five-page note, reportedly written before her death, alleged that a former MP had coerced her to tamper with medical reports related to an arrested individual. The revelation has triggered widespread political controversy.
Fadnavis Backs Former MP, Calls Allegations ‘Baseless’
Despite the uproar, Fadnavis attended an event organised by the former MP in Phaltan and defended his party colleague.
“The name of Ranjitsinh is being linked to the case without any reason. If I had even the slightest suspicion, I would not have come to this event,” Fadnavis said, according to The Indian Express.
He further added that politics was being played over a sensitive matter and assured full party support to the former MP.
Opposition Slams CM’s Remarks
Fadnavis’ public support drew sharp criticism from the Opposition. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the incident an example of “institutional murder” and condemned what he described as the “inhuman and insensitive governance” of the Maharashtra government.
“When people in power become the shield of criminals, justice can no longer be expected from anyone,” Gandhi stated, adding that the victim was “a promising doctor who became a casualty of a corrupt and power-protected system.”
Details of the FIR and Arrests
The doctor’s death note and a message reportedly written on her palm led to the filing of a rape and abetment of suicide case. Police have since arrested a police sub-inspector and the landlord’s son, both accused of sexual harassment and repeated assault.
Fadnavis Promises Justice for Victim’s Family
The Chief Minister said the police acted swiftly to apprehend the accused and promised that the investigation would continue until justice was delivered.
“We will not sit quietly till we ensure that the family of the doctor gets justice,” he said.
NCP Alleges Political Pressure
Meanwhile, NCP leader Dhananjay Munde has alleged that the personal assistant of the former MP had exerted pressure on the doctor to alter medical reports, adding another layer to the already complex and politically charged case.
