THE Maharashtra Council of Homoeopathy has issued a show-cause notice to Dr. Rajesh Pandurang Palande seeking his explanation following a complaint filed by Dr. Vedprakash Tiwari, Advocate High Court, over alleged professional misconduct in the Vijay Sapte firing death case.
The case relates to the death of 60-year-old Vijay Sapte, a sanitation worker employed with the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC), who was allegedly shot during a wild-boar hunting expedition inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), near Dabucha Ghat in the Yeoor range, on October 19, 2026.
According to media reports citing police investigation, a group of seven persons had allegedly entered the forest for hunting wild animals. During the expedition, Mahesh Gaikar allegedly mistook the flashlight of a mobile phone for the eyes of an animal and fired his double-barrelled shotgun. The pellets reportedly struck Sapte in the chest and leg, while two other members of the group also sustained injuries.
The matter took a more serious turn after the injured man’s body was allegedly taken to his village and cremated at the Chenegaon cremation ground at around 6 a.m. on October 20, without first informing the police or conducting a post-mortem examination.
Death Certificate Issued Through WhatsApp Video Call
During the police investigation, serious questions emerged regarding the issuance of the death certificate. According to reports in Hindustan Times (HT) and The Times of India (TOI), Dr. Rajesh Palande, associated with Ashish Hospital, Kashigaon, allegedly viewed the deceased’s body through a WhatsApp video call instead of conducting a physical medical examination.
The doctor allegedly issued a death certificate recording the cause of death as cardiac arrest, despite the circumstances involving alleged gunshot injuries.
The matter led to a criminal case being registered at Kashigaon Police Station against seven persons, including Dr. Rajesh Palande, under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act. Police have reportedly alleged that the doctor issued a false death certificate and assisted in concealing the circumstances surrounding the death.
Advocate Seeks Medical Council Action
Taking serious note of the reported circumstances, Advocate Dr. Vedprakash Tiwari submitted a formal complaint dated November 2, 2026, to the Maharashtra Medical Education and Drugs Department and the Maharashtra Council of Homoeopathy.
In his complaint, Dr. Vedprakash Tiwari alleged that issuing a death certificate without personally examining the deceased, allegedly relying only on WhatsApp video-call communication, raises serious concerns regarding medical ethics, professional responsibility and the credibility of medical certification.
Dr. Vedprakash Tiwari has demanded an independent disciplinary inquiry, verification of the death certificate and related medical records, and immediate interim suspension of Dr. Rajesh Palande’s MCH registration until completion of the inquiry, in accordance with applicable law.
Dr. Vedprakash Tiwari has further requested the authorities to obtain the police investigation report, examine the doctor’s role in the matter and initiate strict disciplinary proceedings if professional misconduct is established.
Maharashtra Council Seeks Explanation Within Eight Days
Acting on the complaint, the Maharashtra Council of Homoeopathy issued an official communication dated November 3, 2026, to Dr. Rajesh Palande, forwarding a copy of the complaint and directing him to submit his written explanation within eight days.
The Council has cautioned that further action may be taken if his explanation is not received.
The development has brought the role of medical professionals in documenting unnatural deaths under scrutiny and raises important questions about the responsibility of registered practitioners while issuing death certificates, particularly in cases involving suspected criminal offences.
Advocate Vedprakash Tiwari has urged the concerned authorities not to treat the matter as a routine complaint and to ensure an impartial inquiry, accountability and appropriate action under the law.