CM Fadnavis' support for Former MP triggers political storm in Satara doctor death case

Satara: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday expressed support for a former BJP MP amid a growing political controversy following the suicide of a 28-year-old doctor in Satara district. Opposition leaders have alleged that the doctor was pressured to alter medical reports before her death.

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that a massive social media storm had taken over platforms like 'X' (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with doctors and citizens across the country demanding justice for the Satara doctor who allegedly died by suicide.

Also Read:Satara doctor suicide: Doctors demand SIT probe, Rs 5 crore compensation

Despite the controversy, Fadnavis attended an event in Phaltan to inaugurate development projects organized by the former MP.

The Chief Minister backed his party colleague and said politics was being played in the wake of the suicide. Fadnavis said, “The name of Ranjitsinh is being linked with the case without any reason. But Maharashtra knows what Deva Bhau is all about. If I had even the slightest suspicion, I would not have come to this event. I would have cancelled the event. In such cases, I never consider party, caste, individuals, or politics," reports the Indian Express.

At the gathering, he assured the former MP: “Don’t worry, we (the party) will stand behind you with full force.”

The Chief Minister’s public support drew criticism from Opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena (UBT). Congress leader and Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the death, calling it an “inhuman and insensitive” act that exposes failures of Maharashtra’s BJP-led government.

Gandhi described the death as not a suicide but as an institutional murder and a shameful example of a crime committed under a power-protected ideology.

“A person who was entrusted with the responsibility of protecting people from criminals, himself committed a heinous crime like rape and exploitation," the message read, citing media reports about "BJP-linked influential people trying to put pressure on the doctor, in the past, to achieve their corrupt objectives," reports the TOI.

He stated that the suicide, driven by unbearable harassment and sexual assault, is a tragedy that has shaken the conscience of civilised society. Gandhi described the victim as a promising doctor who aspired to heal the pain of others. He noted that she became a victim of the torment inflicted by criminals entrenched within a corrupt system and power structure. The message continued, warning that when people in power become the shield of criminals, justice can no longer be expected from anyone.

According to TOI, "We firmly stand by the doctor's family in this fight for justice and want justice and not fear for each daughter of India," Gandhi concluded.

The doctor found dead in a hotel in Phaltan city had reportedly left a note on her palm, which led to the filing of a case of rape and abetment of suicide.

Also Read:Maha doctors hold candle march demanding justice in Satara doctor case

NCP leader Dhananjay Munde alleged that the personal assistant of the former MP had pressured the doctor to alter medical reports.