Daijiworld Media Network – Latur

Latur, May 30: In a deeply disturbing development, the Maharashtra police have registered an FIR against a senior government doctor for allegedly instructing another medical officer to ‘kill’ a Covid-19 patient during the second wave of the pandemic in 2021.

The accused, Dr Shashikant Deshpande, who served as the additional district surgeon at Udgir Government Hospital, is heard making the shocking statement in a viral audio clip that surfaced earlier this month. The clip allegedly captures a conversation between Dr Deshpande and Dr Shashikant Dange, during which the former is heard saying, “Don’t allow anyone to go inside, just kill that Dayami woman.”

The woman in question, Kausar Fatima, was admitted with Covid-19 symptoms on April 15, 2021, and later recovered after a 10-day stay at the hospital.

Her husband, Dayami Ajimoddin Gaussoddin, has now filed a formal complaint, claiming he overheard the call while seated next to Dr Dange, who had the phone on speaker mode during lunch. Gaussoddin further alleged that Deshpande also used caste-based slurs, deeply offending his religious sentiments.

Acting on the complaint, Latur police have seized Dr Deshpande’s phone and are conducting a forensic analysis of the audio clip to verify its authenticity. “Dr Dange is currently out of the district and is expected to return tomorrow. We will collect his phone and continue the inquiry,” said Inspector Dilip Gade.

The case has been registered under sections pertaining to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, among other serious charges. Dr Deshpande’s statement is currently being recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage and demands for strict action if the allegations are proven true.