Rahul terms Satara doctor’s death ‘institutional murder’

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday blamed the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra for what he termed the “institutional murder” of Dr Sampada Mundhe, a government doctor in Satara district who allegedly died by suicide after facing sexual and mental harassment.

In a post on X, Gandhi wrote that the death of Dr Mundhe, who was “driven by exploitation and pressure”, was a tragedy that should “shake the conscience of any civilised society”. He alleged that some influential individuals linked to the ruling party had pressured the doctor to manipulate corruption-related reports. “This is not suicide—it is institutional murder,” he said, adding that the incident exposed the “inhuman and insensitive face” of the government.

Dr Mundhe was found dead on Friday at her residence in Phaltan, Satara. A note recovered from the spot named a police officer and two others for driving her to take the extreme step. Satara Police later arrested Police Sub-Inspector Gopal Badne and Prashant Bankar, and suspended the officer named in the note.

Her cousin alleged that the doctor had been under political and police pressure to alter post-mortem findings and had faced harassment when she refused. “There was a lot of pressure to make wrong mortem reports. She tried to complain but got no support. My sister should get justice,” he said.

The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has condemned the incident and called for an immediate and transparent investigation.

Rahul Gandhi said the Congress stood firmly with the victim’s family, demanding justice for Dr Mundhe and safety for women in public service.