FIR Filed in Latur After 2021 Pandemic-Era Recording Surfaces Online
LATUR: Maharashtra Police have filed an FIR against Dr. Shashikant Deshpande, a senior government doctor, after an audio clip surfaced on social media allegedly capturing him instructing a colleague to “kill” a COVID-19 patient during the height of the pandemic in 2021. The audio, now viral, has prompted public outrage and a criminal probe.
Dr. Deshpande was serving as the additional district surgeon at Udgir Government Hospital at the time. He is accused of making the incendiary remark to Dr. Shashikant Dange, who was stationed at a COVID-19 care facility. The patient, 41-year-old Kausar Fatima, survived and was discharged after treatment.
Chilling Remarks in Audio Clip
According to the FIR registered on May 24, the audio reportedly captures Dr. Deshpande saying: “Don’t allow anyone to go inside, just kill that Dayami woman.” In response, Dr. Dange is allegedly heard saying that oxygen supply to the patient had already been reduced. The clip also reportedly includes caste-based slurs.
The complaint was filed by Kausar Fatima’s husband, Dayami Ajimoddin Gaussoddin, who recounted that he had overheard part of the conversation in April 2021 when Dr. Dange received the call on speakerphone. At the time, Gaussoddin stayed silent due to his wife’s ongoing treatment but was compelled to act when the clip surfaced on May 2, 2025, reigniting painful memories and offending his religious and caste identity.
Police Action and Investigation
Inspector Dilip Gade confirmed to PTI that police have seized Dr. Deshpande’s mobile phone and issued him a notice. “We are verifying the authenticity of the audio clip,” he said. A notice has also been issued to Dr. Dange, who is currently out of the district. His phone will be examined upon return.
The FIR has been lodged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those dealing with deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious sentiments and caste-based discrimination.
Background: Strain of Pandemic and Allegations of Misconduct
Kausar Fatima had tested positive for COVID-19 on April 15, 2021, during a time when healthcare infrastructure was stretched thin. She was admitted to the Udgir hospital’s COVID-19 care centre under Dr. Dange’s supervision and eventually recovered.
Gaussoddin said he chose not to come forward earlier due to fear and his wife’s medical condition but felt compelled after the resurfacing of the disturbing audio. His complaint alleges that the call showed not only a shocking disregard for human life but also deep-rooted caste and religious prejudice.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities say further action will be taken based on forensic examination of the audio recording and witness statements.
