Doctor tells colleague to 'kill' COVID patient in viral clip; FIR lodged
The audio clip, now widely shared on social media, is purportedly from the time when COVID-19 was at its peak in 2021, when government hospital beds were scarce
Police have registered an FIR against a senior doctor of a government hospital in Maharashtra's Latur district for allegedly instructing a colleague to "kill" a COVID-19 patient during the pandemic in 2021, officials said on Thursday (May 29).
An audio clip recently surfaced on social media of the purported conversation between the accused, Dr Shashikant Deshpande — then additional district surgeon at the Udgir Government Hospital in Latur — and Dr Shashikant Dange, who was posted at a COVID-19 care centre.
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Viral audio clip
The clip, now widely shared on social media, is purportedly from the time when the COVID pandemic was at its height in 2021, when hospitals were crowded with patients and resources were in short supply.
The patient in question, Kausar Fatima, wife of Dayami Ajimoddin Gaussoddin (53), later recovered from the illness.
In the recording, Dr Deshpande is allegedly heard saying: "Don't allow anyone to go inside, just kill that Dayami woman." Dr Dange is heard responding cautiously, noting that oxygen support had already been reduced.
Husband files complaint
Based on a complaint by Gaussoddin, the Udgir city police registered a case against Dr Deshpande on May 24 under legal provisions for deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, among other offences.
Police have seized Dr Deshpande's mobile phone, issued him a notice and are in the process of recording his statement, inspector Dilip Gade told PTI.
Police are also verifying the authenticity of the audio clip. A notice has been served to Dr Dange as well, who is currently out of town. "Once he returns, we will collect his mobile phone and conduct an inquiry as well," inspector Gade said.
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FIR details
According to the FIR, the complainant stated that in 2021, during the height of the pandemic, his wife Kausar Fatima (then aged 41), tested positive for COVID-19.
She was admitted as an inpatient at the government hospital in Udgir on April 15, 2021. Treatment for COVID-19 was provided in a building opposite an eye hospital on Nanded Road, managed by the hospital.
Dr Dange was treating COVID-19 patients at the centre and the woman was admitted for 10 days. Around the seventh day of her admission, Dr Dange was having lunch with the patient's husband seated beside him when Dr Deshpande made the contentious call.
Alleged call details
When Dr Dange received a call from Dr Deshpande, he placed the phone on speaker and continued the conversation, which pertained to hospital matters. During the call, Dr Deshpande enquired about the availability of beds.
When Dr Dange informed him that there were no vacant beds, Gaussoddin claimed that he distinctly heard Dr Deshpande say, "Kill the Dayami patient. You're used to dealing with such people."
Dr Deshpande also allegedly made a caste-based slur during the conversation, the complainant stated.
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Clip triggers complaint
Gaussoddin said he was shocked by what he heard but chose to remain silent at the time, as his wife was still receiving treatment. She eventually recovered and was discharged a few days later.
However, on May 2, 2025, the audio clip of the purported conversation surfaced on social media. Hearing the same disturbing remarks again, including the derogatory caste-related comments, caused deep emotional distress to Gaussoddin, prompting him to file a police complaint.