Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized the BJP-led government following the tragic death of a woman government doctor in Maharashtra's Satara district. He described the incident as "institutionalised murder" and highlighted the inhumanity of the current administration. The doctor, identified as Sampada Munde, was found dead in a hotel room in Phaltan on October 23, 2025. In a note on her palm, she accused police sub-inspector Gopal Badane of raping her multiple times and software engineer Prashant Bankar of mental harassment.

Gandhi expressed his outrage on social media, stating, "The suicide of Dr. Sampada Munde, driven to despair by rape and harassment, is a tragedy that shakes the conscience of any civilised society." He emphasized that the very authorities meant to protect citizens had committed heinous acts against her. He further alleged that influential individuals linked to the BJP attempted to coerce her into corruption.

The police have arrested both Badane and Bankar. Badane surrendered to the authorities on October 25, while Bankar was apprehended in Pune. They face charges of rape and abetment of suicide. Badane has been suspended from service following the allegations.

The doctor, originally from Beed district, was cremated on October 24. Her family has demanded capital punishment for the accused, asserting that she had previously reported harassment but received no support. A relative claimed that she was pressured to alter medical reports at her workplace, which contributed to her distress.

Gandhi concluded his remarks by standing in solidarity with the victim's family, stating, "For every daughter of India—no more fear, we demand justice." The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and treatment of women in the healthcare system and the accountability of those in power.