In a deeply disturbing incident from Maharashtra's Satara district, a woman doctor was died in an apparent case of suicide at the Phaltan sub-district hospital on Thursday, News18 reported.
The deceased doctor, who has been identified as Dr Sampada Munde, reportedly left a chilling suicide note on her hand. She accused a police officer of persistent physical as well as mental harassment that allegedly pushed her to end her life.
According to officials, Dr Munde had been under considerable stress for the past few months. She was recently booked by the Phaltan Rural Police for allegedly “obstructing a medical investigation,” following which a departmental inquiry was initiated. Acting on the orders of the Satara District Surgeon, a special committee had also been formed to look into the matter.
According to a news report by News18, sources revealed that Dr Munde had previously written to senior police authorities about her situation, claiming she was being unfairly targeted and warning that the continued harassment could lead her to take an extreme step.
Police have said they recovered Dr Munde’s body from a hotel room in Phaltan town late Wednesday night after receiving information about the incident.
Preliminary findings suggest that she died by hanging, a News X report said. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and an Accidental Death Report (ADR) has been registered. Officers confirmed that all those named in her suicide note have been identified and are being questioned.
Dr Munde's tragic death has sparked outrage and grief within Maharashtra’s medical community, reports said. Several doctors’ associations have condemned the incident and have called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the allegations made by her.
Apart from that, medical bodies have urged the state government to take immediate measures to protect healthcare workers from undue stress and workplace harassment, while also emphasising the urgent need for a supportive and non-hostile environment in government hospitals.
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