In a tragic turn of events in Mumbai, Doctor Rajendra Rupanwar passed away on Monday afternoon while undergoing treatment at a hospital. He had earlier attempted suicide by climbing a high-tension electricity tower near the Sion railway station. He was posted as a medical officer at the Phaltan sub-district hospital in Satara district and had been under severe distress following a series of workplace disputes and alleged harassment.
The Origin of the Conflict
The controversy began in July when a visitor named Prasad Konde Deshmukh, who claimed to be the personal secretary of a former minister, visited the Phaltan sub-district hospital. He demanded an out-of-turn medical fitness certificate required for an arms license. Doctor Rajendra Rupanwar refused to grant the certificate citing established regulations, which led to a heated argument between them.
Although hospital authorities eventually issued the certificate, Prasad Konde Deshmukh threatened the doctor with severe consequences. This intimidation left the doctor deeply distressed and anxious about his safety and career.
Internal Investigation and Pressure
Following the threats, Doctor Rajendra Rupanwar posted a message on social media announcing his intention to end his life. The Phaltan City police registered a case against the individual for obstructing a public servant from discharging official duties. However, the situation worsened for the doctor instead of finding relief.
The medical superintendent of the hospital initiated an internal inquiry against Doctor Rajendra Rupanwar. It was alleged that the inquiry report was deliberately delayed and a copy was denied to the doctor. Frustrated by the administrative pressure, he traveled to Mumbai last week, released a video on social media demanding action against the medical superintendent, and took the extreme step.
Action Taken and Previous Incidents
On Thursday morning, the doctor climbed the high-tension tower near the railway tracks. Police and fire brigade personnel rescued him, administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and rushed him to a hospital in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries on Monday afternoon. Following the incident, the government suspended the concerned medical superintendent, and local police are continuing their detailed investigation into the matter.
Such extreme incidents involving medical professionals have surfaced previously as well. A few months ago, a resident medical officer named Ishwar Chandra Narhari Chandekar at the Neuron Spine and Critical Care Center in Dhantoli, Nagpur, died by suicide after administering an anesthesia injection to himself.
