The Maharashtra police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against a senior government doctor for allegedly directing another doctor to “kill” a Covid-19 patient during the deadly second wave of the pandemic in 2021.
The accused, Dr Shashikant Deshpande, who was serving as the additional district surgeon at Udgir Government Hospital in Latur at the time, is allegedly heard making the shocking remark in an audio clip that surfaced on social media earlier this month, according to news agency PTI.
The audio clip, which has gone viral, reportedly captures a phone conversation between Dr Deshpande and another doctor, Dr Shashikant Dange.
In the recording, Dr Deshpande can allegedly be heard saying, “Don’t allow anyone to go inside, just kill that Dayami woman.” The reference is believed to be to Kausar Fatima, a Covid-19 patient who had been admitted to the hospital on April 15, 2021.
Despite the alleged instruction, Kausar Fatima survived. She was discharged after a 10-day stay at the hospital. Her husband, Dayami Ajimoddin Gaussoddin, has now filed a formal complaint with the police, claiming he overheard the conversation at the time.
According to him, Dr Dange had kept his phone on speaker while eating lunch, which allowed him to hear Dr Deshpande’s instructions.
The FIR further states that Dr Deshpande also used caste-based slurs during the call, which Gaussoddin said deeply hurt his religious and emotional sentiments.
Latur police have since launched an investigation into the matter. Dr Deshpande’s mobile phone has been seized and he has been issued a notice. His statement is currently being recorded, confirmed Inspector Dilip Gade to PTI. He added that the audio clip is being examined by forensic experts to verify its authenticity.
“Dr Dange is currently out of the district and is expected to return tomorrow. We will collect his mobile phone and question him as part of the inquiry,” Inspector Gade said.
The case has been registered under Indian Penal Code sections related to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, along with other serious charges. The probe remains ongoing.
