Solapur/Kolhapur: A 45-year-old hospital administrative officer, Manisha Mahesh Mane alias Musale, was arrested by Sadar Bazaar police late Saturday night for allegedly abetting the suicide of renowned neurologist Dr. Shirish P. Valsangkar.
Dr. Valsangkar reportedly died by suicide on Friday night by shooting himself with his licensed firearm. A note, found in his trouser pocket, named Musale and accused her of threatening him with false allegations, despite years of trust and employment. She had worked with him since 2008.
Police invoked Section 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against her. Solapur’s Chief Judicial Magistrate remanded Musale to police custody until April 23, citing the need to investigate email evidence and prevent tampering.
Financial Fraud Angle Under Probe
According to the remand report, Musale had been reprimanded and her salary reduced following suspected financial mismanagement. Emails retrieved by the police revealed threats, including one where she allegedly said she would immolate herself and her two sons in the hospital, and blame the doctors.
Police are now probing whether financial fraud or personal pressure contributed to the events leading to the suicide.
Dr. Valsangkar, founder of the SP Institute of Neurosciences, was widely respected for his medical contributions and public outreach on neurological issues. His funeral on Saturday saw a large turnout of mourners from diverse walks of life.
