In Belagavi city, Dr. Dinesh Bhatkal, a well-known doctor battling lung cancer, tragically took his own life at his home. Dr. Bhatkal, who had dedicated 40 years to the KLE Institute, served as an administrator at the institute’s hospital. Originally from Ankola town in Karwar district, he had recently moved to Belagavi for cancer treatment at the KLE hospital.
The police reported that Dr. Bhatkal shot himself in the head in the gallery area of his residence, possibly due to the unbearable suffering caused by his illness. Before the incident, he sent WhatsApp messages to KLE honorary executive president Prabhakar Kore and his treating doctor, Dr. Kerur. In his message to Prabhakar Kore, he expressed gratitude for the support over the years but cited severe pain as the reason for his decision.
Diagnosed with lung cancer four months prior, Dr. Bhatkal had confided in friends about his struggles. The police are currently investigating the recovered messages to shed light on the circumstances. The incident brings to mind similar tragedies, such as the recent suicide of Dr. M.U. Nikitha in Chitradurga district, and underscores the mental toll faced by healthcare professionals.
