1 day ago
Phaltan Doctor Dies After Suicide Attempt, Calls Grow for Probe
Dr Rajendra Rupnavar worked at a government hospital in Phaltan.
He became upset after disagreements and alleged threats connected to his work.
Police said the dispute involved a request for a medical certificate for an arms licence.
Dr Rupnavar later posted messages saying he was distressed and wanted action.
On August 27, he climbed a tower near Sion railway station in Mumbai and tried to end his life.
Rescue workers took him to Sion Hospital, but he died while receiving treatment on Monday.
The government suspended the hospital’s Medical Superintendent.
Doctors’ groups are asking for a fair investigation into whether anyone harassed or pressured him.
Dr Rajendra Rupnavar, a Phaltan Sub-District Hospital doctor, died at Sion Hospital on Monday.
He attempted suicide on August 27 by climbing a tower near Sion railway station, according to reports.
The attempt followed allegations of threats, workplace harassment, internal disputes and administrative pressure.
The government suspended the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, while police continued investigating.
Resident doctors’ organisations demanded an independent, time-bound inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.
- Who
- Dr Rajendra Rupnavar, a medical officer at Phaltan Sub-District Hospital; police, the Maharashtra Government and resident-doctor organisations are involved in the aftermath.
- What
- Rupnavar died after attempting suicide, amid allegations of threats, workplace harassment and administrative pressure.
- Where
- The attempt occurred near Sion railway station in Mumbai, and he died at Sion Hospital; he worked at Phaltan Sub-District Hospital in Satara district.
- When
- He attempted suicide on August 27 and died during treatment on Monday, August 31.
- Why
- Reports link his distress to an altercation over a medical fitness certificate, alleged threats, internal disputes, a transfer and an inquiry he said was mishandled.
Harassment and pressure allegations
Official inquiries and investigation
Cause of distress
Harassment and pressure allegations
Resident-doctor organisations and reports cited allegations of threats, coercion, workplace harassment, political or external pressure, internal disputes and transfer-related distress.
Official inquiries and investigation
The hospital administration initiated an internal inquiry into Rupnavar, while police and railway police began investigating the circumstances preceding the suicide attempt.
Handling of the certificate dispute
Harassment and pressure allegations
Reports say Prasad Konde Deshmukh allegedly demanded an out-of-turn medical fitness certificate and later threatened Rupnavar after the doctor initially refused it on procedural grounds.
Official inquiries and investigation
Hospital authorities later issued the certificate, and Phaltan City Police registered a case against Deshmukh for allegedly obstructing a public servant in official duties.
Accountability
Harassment and pressure allegations
MARD and BMC MARD called for an impartial, transparent and time-bound inquiry, and action against anyone found responsible for harassment or undue pressure.
Official inquiries and investigation
Officials said the Medical Superintendent had been suspended and that further investigation was underway; responsibility has not yet been established.
Key facts
- Doctor
- Dr Rajendra Rupnavar
- Workplace
- Phaltan Sub-District Hospital, Satara district
- Suicide attempt
- August 27, near Sion railway station in Mumbai
- Place of death
- Sion Hospital
- Dispute
- An alleged demand for an out-of-turn medical fitness certificate for an arms licence
- Government action
- The Medical Superintendent was suspended
- Requested response
- MARD and BMC MARD sought an independent, time-bound inquiry
Sources
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