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Latur, Maharashtra — Authorities in Latur district have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against a senior government doctor following the emergence of an audio clip allegedly capturing him instructing a colleague to “kill” a COVID-19 patient during the height of the pandemic in 2021.
The viral audio, which surfaced on social media on May 2, 2025, reportedly features Dr. Shashikant Deshpande, then Additional District Surgeon at Udgir Government Hospital, in conversation with Dr. Shashikant Dange, who was posted at a COVID-19 care centre. The conversation is believed to have taken place during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, a time when hospitals were overwhelmed and resources were stretched thin.
Details of the Incident
According to the FIR, the patient in question, Kausar Fatima (then 41), wife of Dayami Ajimoddin Gaussoddin, had tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted to the government hospital in Udgir on April 15, 2021. She remained hospitalized for 10 days and ultimately recovered.
The complaint states that around the seventh day of Fatima’s admission, her husband overheard a conversation between Dr. Deshpande and Dr. Dange, during which Dr. Deshpande allegedly said, “Don’t allow anyone to go inside, just kill that Dayami woman.” Dr. Dange reportedly responded by noting that oxygen support had already been reduced.
The complainant further alleges that Dr. Deshpande made caste-based slurs during the conversation. Although shocked, Gaussoddin did not raise the issue at the time, as his wife was still under treatment. However, the resurfacing of the audio clip in May 2025 prompted him to file a police complaint, citing deep hurt and outrage over the remarks.
Police Action and Investigation
Following the complaint, Udgir city police registered a case against Dr. Deshpande on May 24, 2025, under sections related to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings and other relevant offences. Dr. Deshpande’s mobile phone has been seized, and his statement is being recorded as part of the investigation. Police are also verifying the authenticity of the audio clip.
A notice has also been issued to Dr. Dange, who is currently out of the district. Authorities plan to collect his mobile phone and conduct a further inquiry upon his return.
Patient’s Recovery
Despite the disturbing content of the conversation, Kausar Fatima recovered from COVID-19 and was discharged from the hospital after 10 days of treatment.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by Medical Dialogues and other media sources. The allegations described are currently under police investigation, and the authenticity of the audio clip is yet to be verified. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The details provided are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a final judgment on the matter.
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