How could a man so deeply revered in the medical fraternity, a neurologist of unmatched skill, and the face of brain healthcare in Solapur, choose to end his own life? This question continues to haunt the minds of thousands in Maharashtra and beyond, after the shocking and heartbreaking news broke out that Dr. Shirish Padmakar Valsangkar, a respected neurologist and the founder of Valsangkar Hospital, also known as the S P Institute of Neurosciences, had died by suicide. The esteemed doctor, whose name had become synonymous with cutting-edge neurology in the region, reportedly shot himself in the head with his licensed revolver at his residence.

Known for his exceptional knowledge, gentle demeanor, and dedication to patients, Dr. Valsangkar was widely regarded as the pride of Solapur. His contribution to the field was not confined within the city limits. His services touched lives across Maharashtra and even reached global corners. Patients came from far-off places, sometimes from other countries, seeking his consultation. To them, he was more than a doctor — he was hope.

The exact reason behind the doctor’s extreme decision remains unknown and is yet to be determined. However, the police, who arrived promptly on the scene, stated in their preliminary investigation report that Dr. Valsangkar had been under stress over the past few days. This revelation only adds to the growing mystery and sorrow surrounding his death.

That night, everything appeared normal. He had dinner with his family around 8 p.m., a regular routine that gave no signs of any distress. But at approximately 8:30 p.m., he got up, walked into the bathroom with his licensed revolver, and reportedly shot himself in the head. The sudden act shocked his family, who discovered him moments later and immediately rushed him to his own hospital — a hospital where he had saved countless lives. His son, also a doctor, tried to revive him, hoping for a miracle. But despite all efforts, Dr. Valsangkar passed away around 9:30 p.m.

As the tragic news spread through Solapur like wildfire, the grief was palpable. Many well-known doctors and his patients came to pay their respects. His sudden death shocked the entire medical community in Solapur and across the state. The corridors of the hospital, once echoing with footsteps of healing, now bore silent witness to mourning.

According to a report by Marathi India Times, Dr. Shirish Valsangkar was the first neurologist in Solapur. He had not only brought neurology to the city but had also started a state-of-the-art hospital to treat the brain in various and sophisticated ways. This institution became a symbol of medical excellence in the region. As the same report noted, he was known as Dr. Shirish Valsangkar, who revolutionized the field of neurology in Solapur — a title not given lightly, but earned through years of dedicated service and innovation.

Reacting to the tragic news, Dr. Sachin Baldawa, a renowned neurosurgeon from Solapur, told The Times of India, "It is a shocking development for all of us."

A police officer, while speaking to PTI, added, “He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed during treatment. While the exact reason behind his extreme step is being ascertained, preliminary information suggests he had been under stress for the past few days. The body has been sent for investigation.”

Mystery Deepens as Admin Officer Arrested in Dr Shirish Valsangkar Suicide Case

As the city of Solapur continues to mourn the sudden loss of its most celebrated neurologist, Dr. Shirish Padmakar Valsangkar, the tragedy has now taken a darker turn. The Sadar Bazaar police, late on Saturday night, arrested a 45-year-old administrative officer from the very hospital Dr. Valsangkar had founded — a place that once stood as a beacon of healing and trust.

The woman in question, Manisha Mahesh Mane, also known as Musale, had worked with Dr. Valsangkar since 2008. Her long-standing position at the SP Institute of Neurosciences added shock to the allegations that followed. Police took her into custody on the charge that she drove the doctor to take his own life — a development that has sent fresh waves of disbelief through the medical community and the public alike.

According to Senior Inspector Ajit Shankar Lakade, "We arrested the hospital's administration officer, Manisha Mahesh Mane, alias Musale, based on a note, purportedly written by the victim and found in the pocket of his trousers." The content of that note painted a deeply disturbing picture. "The note named Musale stating that he (Valsangkar) was committing suicide as the person he had taught and appointed as the admin officer, and had given a good salary to, had threatened him with false allegations," the officer revealed.

This revelation stunned many. A woman whom he had mentored, paid well, and entrusted with administrative responsibilities was now at the centre of a criminal investigation involving Section 108 (abetment of suicide) under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Given the fact that the arrest involved a woman and happened at night, the police had sought prior permission from the court. "There was a concern that she might flee or tamper with evidence," Lakade added.

On Sunday afternoon, Musale was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate's Court in Solapur, which responded by remanding her in police custody till April 23. The court noted the severity of the matter and emphasized that her physical custody was required to delve deeper into the incident. "An email was sent by the accused to the victim. The mail shows the prima facie involvement of the accused," the court observed. "Physical custody of the accused is necessary to investigate the crime. Hence, the accused is remanded in police custody till April 23."

Further investigation led to the recovery of emails written by Musale to both Dr. Valsangkar and his son, who is also a doctor and now the complainant in the case. These communications painted a grim narrative. "The emails show that she was reprimanded, and her salary was reduced. The woman had threatened to immolate herself with her two sons in the hospital and told the doctors they would be blamed for the situation," Lakade said.

The remand report also indicated a possible financial angle, hinting that Musale may have been involved in siphoning off money from the hospital. It was further stated that "Preliminary police investigation, as mentioned in the remand report, revealed that the woman employee was reprimanded due to her alleged involvement in financial fraud." Investigations are ongoing to verify her role in the suspected embezzlement and whether she was solely responsible for the stress that drove Dr. Valsangkar to suicide.

Following his tragic death, Dr. Valsangkar was cremated on Saturday afternoon. The procession saw a sea of mourners — people from every walk of life who came to offer their final respects. He wasn’t just a doctor; he was a beloved figure who connected deeply with society. Known for his dynamic personality, he was also an aviation enthusiast who flew planes in his spare time.

His passion for medicine wasn’t confined to hospital walls. During his lifetime, he frequently appeared on television shows, educating the public about neurological disorders and promoting awareness on how to tackle them.

Dr. Shirish Padmakar Valsangkar was not only the founder of the SP Institute of Neurosciences (Valsangkar Hospital) in Solapur, Maharashtra, but also a pioneer who brought neurological excellence to South-West Maharashtra. His vision led to the establishment of one of the region’s most advanced facilities for brain and spine care.

He earned his medical degree from Dr. V. M. Medical College, Solapur, completing both MBBS and MD under Shivaji University. Determined to gain deeper knowledge, he traveled to the United Kingdom, where he achieved MRCP (UK) from the Royal College of Physicians, London. His clinical journey included valuable stints in both India and the UK. In India, he trained at institutions such as CPR Hospital, Kolhapur, and General Hospital, Solapur, including a senior registrarship at Bombay Hospital. His UK training included positions at the prestigious Maida Vale Neurological Hospital (London), Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, and the Midland Centre for Neurosurgery and Neurology.

In 1999, he returned to Solapur with a mission — to bring world-class neurological care to his home state. That dream materialized into the SP Institute of Neurosciences, where he introduced services like neurosurgery, neurointervention, neurorehabilitation, and pain management. Over the years, he successfully treated patients with epilepsy, strokes, brain tumors, neuromuscular conditions, and movement disorders.

His excellence wasn’t confined to clinical work. He also made scholarly contributions to neurology, publishing research papers on topics like cerebrospinal fluid LDH in meningitis, epilepsy treatment protocols, and stroke prognosis.

The life and legacy of Dr. Shirish Valsangkar are now entwined with an investigation that is just beginning. What was once a story of dedication and medical progress has become a tale of betrayal and heartbreak. As the probe continues, Solapur waits with bated breath — for justice, for answers, and for peace.