Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jun 15: Dr Suresh Gadasalli (53) from the city, who was an accomplished cardiologist based in Texas, USA, has been shot dead on Thursday. Reportedly, he was fired at and killed by his business partner-cum-patient, Ayyasamy Thangam.

Thangam thereafter turned the gun towards his own head and ended his life. Thangam fired multiple shots at Dr Gadasalli before committing suicide after locking the door of the hospital from inside.

Dr Gadasalli operates a hospital named 'Healthy Heart Centre' at Odessa in Texas state. Those who rushed into the hospital after hearing gunshots found bodies of Dr Suresh and Ayyasamy Thangam inside. Ayyasamy was a patient of the doctor besides being a business partner. Reasons for the murder remain shrouded in mystery.

Dr Gadasalli had his own house at Jayanagar fifth block here. He had completed PU education at Basavanagudi college before getting medical degree frorm Belagavi. He married his PU classmate, Aarati Chikkody, who had begun working as news reader in Doordarashan here, media reports said.

The couple had left for USA in 1993, after which Dr Suresh established his own hospital at Odessa, Texas. He was well known for performing some rare heart surgeries. His patients identified him as one of their own family members, and praised him for his gentlemanly qualities, humane approach, and nice behaviour. They were shocked to learn that such a personality was murdered by his own friend.