A very shocking incident has come to light from Maharashtra’s Latur district. A senior doctor from the Udgir Government Hospital has been booked by police. This comes after an old audio clip surfaced in which he allegedly directed a colleague to “kill” a COVID-19 patient during the peak of the pandemic in 2021.

The shocking audio went viral on social media on May 2, 2025. The incident has prompted a formal police investigation.

Who is Dr. Shashikant Deshpande?

The accused, Dr. Shashikant Deshpande, then serving as the Additional District Surgeon, can allegedly be heard having a discussion with another doctor. He informed him to kill a patient named Kausar Fatima to free up hospital beds during a phone conversation.

According to reports, the conversation dates back to April 2021, when the spike in COVID-19 cases was overwhelming hospitals throughout India.

The audio clip

In the audio conversation, Dr Deshpande is allegedly heard saying: “Don’t allow anyone to go inside, just kill that Dayami woman.” To which, Dr Dange responds cautiously, noting that oxygen support had already been reduced.

Meanwhile, the police were verifying the authenticity of the audio clip. The police have also issued a notice to Dr Dange. Inspector Dilip Gade said “He is out of the district and will come tomorrow. After that, we will collect his mobile phone and conduct an inquiry”.

What happened?

The complaint was filed by Fatima’s husband, Dayami Ajimoddin Gaussoddin. According to the complaint the disturbing conversation occurred while his wife was being treated for COVID-19 at a care facility managed by the Udgir Government Hospital. Gaussoddin claims he was present when Dr. Dange took the call from Dr. Deshpande and had put it on speaker. During the call, Deshpande allegedly said, “Kill the Dayami patient. You’re used to dealing with such people,” and reportedly used a caste-based slur.

According to reports Fatima was admitted on April 15, 2021, and discharged after recovering on April 25. At the time, her husband chose not to raise an alarm, fearing for her safety. However, the resurfacing of the audio clip in 2025 triggered emotional distress and prompted him to file a police complaint, citing offence to religious sentiments and derogatory caste remarks.

Formal complaint lodged

The Udgir City Police registered an FIR on May 24 under IPC Sections 119 (concealment of an intended offence by a public servant) and 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings). Police have seized Dr. Deshpande’s phone and are verifying the authenticity of the audio clip. Notices have been issued to both doctors.

Inspector Dilip Gade confirmed that Dr. Deshpande’s statement is being recorded. Dr. Dange, currently out of town, has also been summoned for questioning. The investigation is ongoing amid public outcry over the shocking abuse of medical ethics during a national crisis.