Fresh Twist in Maharashtra Doctor’s Death: Fake Postmortem Report Allegation Surfaces

A new dimension has emerged in the Maharashtra doctor suicide case after a woman from Satara alleged that the deceased doctor had signed a false postmortem report under pressure.

The woman, identified as Bhagyashree Maruti Pachangne, claimed her daughter, Deepali Maruti, did not die naturally as stated in the postmortem. According to her, the document contradicts the circumstances surrounding Deepali's death.

Mother Alleges Pressure on Doctor to Alter Report

Bhagyashree Pachangne alleged that the doctor, who later died by suicide, was forced to falsify postmortem details. She has demanded a comprehensive investigation into what she believes was her daughter's suspicious death.

In her final note, the doctor accused police sub-inspector Gopal Badane of sexual assault and tech professional Prashant Bankar of mental harassment. The suicide note, reportedly written on her palm, was accompanied by a separate four-page letter mentioning a former MP.

She also referred to two personal assistants of the same ex-MP who allegedly requested her to declare an accused, Malhari Channe, medically fit.

Political Pressure Alleged in the Doctor's Death

According to a relative cited by Press Trust of India (PTI), the doctor frequently received political pressure to manipulate medical records at the sub-district hospital where she was employed.

"Political people in Phaltan often asked her to change medical reports as she used to be regularly on autopsy duty. She had complained multiple times against the PSI (named in the note), but her complaints were not looked into," the relative said.

The case has since escalated into a major political controversy, with the Opposition accusing authorities of shielding influential individuals involved in the matter.

New Allegations by Bhagyashree Pachangne

The latest revelation from Bhagyashree Pachangne has intensified the ongoing investigation. She claimed her daughter Deepali, married to Indian Army officer Ajinkya Hanmant Nimbalkar, endured mental and physical abuse from her husband and in-laws.

Unable to bear the harassment, Deepali allegedly took her own life on August 19, though Bhagyashree believes she may have been murdered. She stated that the police delayed handing over the postmortem report for five days, and when it finally arrived a month later, it appeared fabricated.

She alleged Ajinkya Nimbalkar used political and police influence to suppress the truth.

"On August 17, we received a call from our son-in-law, informing us that Deepali was in critical condition and admitted to Raut Hospital in Phaltan. We were shocked, assuming that since she was pregnant, she might have fainted or fallen due to dizziness," she said.

Upon reaching the hospital, her brother-in-law "informed us that Deepali had taken her life... I strongly doubt this," she said.

"My daughter could not have done this. She was six months pregnant and had a one-and-a-half-year-old daughter - how could she leave them behind? She would never do such a thing. I believe she was murdered," Bhagyashree added.

Arrests and Action in the Case

The police have arrested software engineer Prashant Bankar, who was accused of mentally harassing the doctor. Later, PSI Gopal Badane, accused of sexual assault, surrendered himself to the authorities.

Following his arrest, Badane was suspended from police service as the investigation progressed. Officials confirmed that a case of rape and abetment of suicide has been registered against both men in Phaltan, Satara district.