Woman doc thrashed by uncle at police station, says brother

A 26-year-old woman doctor's brother is running from pillar to post to determine her whereabouts.u00a0According to third-year engineering student Ajit Mahangade, his sister Aparna was beaten up by their uncle at the Panvel police station last week.

Ajit said the incident was the outcome of his sister's decision to attend a residential workshop on herbal medicine preparation and preservation at the Sanatan Sanstha's Panvel branch. He said this had angered his parents and relatives.u00a0

Dr Aparna Mahangade was allegedly beaten up after attending the residential workshop from January 6 to 9.u00a0Aparna, who is associated with the Satara branch of the sanstha as a disciple, reportedly attended the workshop without informing her parents.

Chandrakant and Mangal Mahangade allegedly expressed their displeasure over her decision in a conversation with her over the phone.u00a0When Aparna's parents arrived at the sanstha accompanied by relatives, they were asked to approach the Panvel police station as heated arguments took place between her and them.u00a0

Ajit, who was present at the police station with his parents and uncle Ramchandra, said, "At first, Aparna clearly told the police that it was her wish to attend the workshop and she should not be prevented from pursuing her wish. But my uncle managed to convince the police and told them that they will not allow her to continue and sought permission to beat her up in one of the rooms at the Panvel police station. Later she was asked to give a statement that she was going with her parents as per her own wish."

Abhay Vartak of the Sanatan Sanstha said, "The lady doctor's parents had some misconception about the sanstha and that is why they did not allow her to attend her workshop, but she is an adult and no one can object to her taking her own decisions."u00a0

Ajit said, "I suspect myu00a0sister is still locked and boltedu00a0at my uncle Ramchandra'su00a0residence in Pune. I haveu00a0

submitted an applicationu00a0to Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner, State Commission for Women and Human Rights Commission seeking justice for my sister. I am scared to approach my parents as they will harm me as they did it to my sister."

Panvel Police Inspector Ramesh Ghadawale said,u00a0"Its all a lie; how can a doctor be beaten up at the police station? After the sanstha alleged and her brother claimed that her sister was beaten up, we also did her medical test, but no injury marks were seen. Now Ajit's father has approached us to lodge a police complaint."