KOLHAPUR: A police sub-inspector (PSI) arrested in connection with the alleged rape and suicide abetment of a woman doctor from Phaltan subdistrict hospital has been dismissed from service, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The order was issued by Special Inspector General of Police (Kolhapur Range) Sunil Phulari, who cited “moral turpitude and delinquent behaviour” as grounds for the action. The PSI had earlier been suspended following his arrest and is currently lodged in Satara jail under judicial custody.
“The PSI has shown conduct unbecoming of a police officer, given the case registered against him. An inquiry was conducted, and he has been dismissed based on the findings,” Phulari said.
A departmental inquiry, led by a police inspector, reviewed the officer’s behaviour and any past complaints before Phulari passed the dismissal order.
Incident and Investigation
The case stems from the death of a woman doctor, whose body was found on October 23 in a first-floor hotel room in Phaltan. The postmortem report cited asphyxia due to hanging as the cause of death.
Police recovered a note allegedly written by the doctor on her palm, which reportedly mentioned the PSI’s name. Following this, the officer fled the area but surrendered two days later at the Phaltan Rural Police Station, where he was taken into custody.
Investigators said the officer had initially refused to hand over his cellphone, believed to contain critical evidence. The device was recovered four days later.
Background of the Case
Earlier in August, the deceased doctor had submitted a written reply to an enquiry committee, reportedly mentioning the PSI and others for pressuring her to declare pre-arrest accused as “fit” and for allegedly bringing suspects to her hospital during late-night hours to harass her.
Her death sparked widespread outrage in the medical community and calls for stricter action against those accused of abuse and intimidation of healthcare professionals.
Special Investigation Team Formed
In response to the incident, the Maharashtra government has appointed senior IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute to lead a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. The decision followed directives from Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Satpute, currently serving as Commander of the State Reserve Police Force, previously held the post of Superintendent of Police, Satara, between 2019 and 2022.
Officials said the SIT will examine all angles, including allegations of harassment, procedural lapses, and the role of any other officials linked to the accused officer.
Family’s Reaction
The victim’s brother welcomed the PSI’s dismissal, calling it “the first step toward justice.” He added that the family hopes the investigation will “uncover the full truth and ensure that no one misuses power to intimidate honest professionals.”
