A tragic incident occurred in Belagavi on Friday morning when a senior doctor, who was battling cancer, allegedly died by suicide at his residence on Mandoli Road. The deceased has been identified as Dr Dinesh Laxman Bhatkal, 79, originally from Ankola taluk in Uttara Kannada district. He had retired from a private medical institution after serving for four decades. Known for his simple and approachable nature, Dr Bhatkal was highly respected in the medical community.
Details of the Incident
According to police, Dr Bhatkal ended his life at the balcony of his house. The incident came to light when family members and nearby residents rushed to the spot after hearing a loud sound. However, sources confirmed that he had already died by the time help arrived.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Narayan Baramani, who visited the scene, stated that preliminary information suggests the doctor may have taken the step due to illness and mental distress. An investigation has been initiated, and the exact cause will be confirmed after receiving the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report.
Messages Sent to Friends
Former mayor Vijay More, who also visited the house, revealed that around 6:10 am, Dr Bhatkal had sent messages to close friends stating that he was suffering from severe pain due to lung cancer. He added that more details may emerge after the investigation.
Police and senior officials from Tilakwadi police station visited the scene and conducted a thorough inspection. The body has been sent for postmortem, and further inquiries are ongoing.
