BANGALORE: Giving in to depression, a 47-year-old Associate Professor of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) ended his life at his residence in Strawberry Fort Apartments in Amarajyothi Layout in Sanjaynagar. Parag P Sadhale, a native of Mumbai, who was a professor in the Microbiology and Cell Biology department, was found hanging at his residence in the wee hours of Friday. He had moved to the city 20 years ago.
According to the police, Sadhale was a divorcee and was living alone while his former wife and daughter resided in Pune. His daughter is said to be an MBBS student. Apparently, he was depressed over loneliness. Before ending his life, he had emailed his friends and relatives that he was not happy with his life.
Also, he mentioned that he could not achieve what he aimed to, and hence was taking the extreme step.
“The incident came to light when one of his colleagues rushed to his house after reading the mail on Friday morning. But it was too late, as Sadhale was found hanging from the fan in his room. Later, the matter police were informed. He had also kept the print out of the mail he had sent to his friends before ending his life,” the police added.
Director of IISc, P Balaram, said that Sadhale was working there for over a decade and had made a significant contribution to the institute. “This is unfortunate and it is a shock to all. No one had a clue that he was depressed” said Balaram.
One of his research scholars said that she was shocked to know that her guide had ended his life.
“He was working in the laboratory till 8 pm on Thursday and his behaviour was absolutely normal. He was a cheerful person who always encouraged others and I could not accept the fact that he is dead,” she said. One of his colleagues said that Sadhale was a great music lover and never missed any concerts. “However, sometimes he expressed his unhappiness over leading a lonely life. But no one expected that such a person could take the extreme step,” he said.
The body has been shifted to M S Ramaiah Hospital mortuary. Sanjaynagar police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating.