Mumbai, May 24: A 26-year-old doctor from Jalna allegedly committed suicide by hanging at her room in Mumbai's BYL Nair Hospital on Wednesday. The deceased doctor, identified as Dr Payal Tadvi, was pursuing second year MD in gynaecology. Her family alleged that Dr Payal was subjected to mental torture by three senior doctors who used to pass casteist slurs on a WhatsApp group.

Before committing suicide, Dr Payal had performed two surgeries. Her family demanded an FIR be registered against three doctor students Dr Hema Ahuja, Dr Bhakti Mehar, Dr Ankita Khandilwal for mentally torturing her to end her life. Police booked the accused on charges of abetment to suicide and under the Atrocities Act. An accidental death report has been filed at Agripada police station. Unhappy With 82% in Class 12, Student in Sonepat Commits Suicide by Hanging Himself in Room.

"She had told us about her three seniors who tortured her mentally... just because she belonged to a lower caste," Payal's cousin, Nilesh Tadvi, was quoted by Times of India as saying. The family also alleged that the doctors had a WhatsApp group where the accused would humiliate Payal using casteist slurs. "We are submitting chats to the police," a relative said.

Authorities at Nair Hospital said the case has stunned them as Payal had not approached any teacher or the anti-ragging committee. "We have handed over the probe to the police. The anti-ragging panel will also look into it," said an official. The management, however, refused to reveal whether any action would be taken against the accused doctors.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 24, 2019 10:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).