Doctor in Latur Allegedly Told Staff to Kill COVID Patient
Summary: A disturbing audio clip has surfaced on social media, allegedly capturing a senior government doctor in Latur, Maharashtra, instructing a colleague to “kill” a COVID-19 patient during the 2021 pandemic peak. The police have filed an FIR and launched an investigation. Here’s what unfolded.
Shocking Allegation: Doctor in Latur Told Staff to 'Kill' COVID-19 Patient?
An audio clip allegedly capturing a senior government doctor instructing a colleague to “just kill that Dayami woman” during the peak of the 2021 COVID-19 crisis in Maharashtra’s Latur district has gone viral, sparking public outrage and a full-fledged police investigation.
If true, the chilling command in the recording, given at a time when hospitals were overwhelmed, raises deep concerns about medical ethics and accountability.
The accused, Dr. Shashikant Deshpande, who served as the Additional District Surgeon at Udgir Government Hospital, is reportedly heard instructing Dr. Shashikant Dange, who was then treating COVID-19 patients at a care centre in Latur.
What the Viral Audio Revealed
The recording, allegedly from mid-April 2021, captures a conversation about Kausar Fatima, a 41-year-old COVID-19 patient, admitted under the hospital’s care.
In the audio, Dr. Deshpande is allegedly heard saying:
“Don’t allow anyone to go inside, just kill that Dayami woman.”
Dr. Dange cautiously responds, noting that oxygen support had already been reduced.
Though the woman later recovered and was discharged after 10 days of treatment, the resurfacing of the clip in May 2025 led her husband, Dayami Ajimoddin Gaussoddin (53), to file a complaint with Udgir City Police.
FIR Filed: Here’s What the Complaint Says
According to the FIR:
- Kausar Fatima was admitted on April 15, 2021 during the COVID surge.
- The alleged conversation took place around the 7th day of her admission, while her husband was sitting next to Dr. Dange as he had lunch.
- Dange received a call from Dr. Deshpande, kept the phone on speaker, and discussed hospital matters.
- During this call, Deshpande allegedly said,
“Kill the Dayami patient. You’re used to dealing with such people.”
The complaint also mentions that a caste-based slur was used during the conversation, something that deeply hurt the patient’s husband and offended his religious sentiments.
Police Action: What’s Happening Now?
Udgir City Police have:
- Filed an FIR against Dr. Deshpande under IPC sections related to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings and other offenses.
- Seized Dr. Deshpande’s mobile phone and recorded his statement.
- Issued a notice to Dr. Dange, who was reportedly out of the district but expected to return for questioning.
Inspector Dilip Gade told the media:
“We’re verifying the authenticity of the audio clip. Further investigation is ongoing.”
Why This Matters
This alleged incident happened during one of the darkest times of the pandemic when hospital beds were full, resources were strained, and healthcare workers were under pressure. However, if proven true, the callous remarks in the recording cannot be justified by the crisis alone.
Ethical standards and patient dignity must never be compromised, especially by those entrusted with saving lives.
Conclusion
The viral audio clip has triggered a serious legal and ethical storm in Maharashtra. The police are digging deep to verify its authenticity and hold the responsible accountable. For now, it’s a stark reminder of the urgent need for transparency, empathy, and accountability in healthcare, especially during a crisis.
Inputs from various media sources.
Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
