Daijiworld Media Network - Belagavi (SP)

Belagavi, Jun 5: Young owner of the city-based Amrut Pharmaceuticals, which had become a household name because of 'Amrut Malam' ointment for treating various skin-related deceases, Shailesh Joshi (40), committed suicide by turning his own pistol towards his chest at around 1.30 am on Monday, June 4.

It is gathered that Shailesh was suffering from liver-related health complications. He also was going through a period of mental turmoil on account of his recent divorce, sources claim.

Shailesh fired at his chest by using his pistol in the early morning of Monday. On account of family disputes, he had officially divorced from his wife on May 18 this year. His estranged wife and two children live at Pune while Shailesh used to live with his mother in the city.

A death note was found in the room of the deceased's residence where his body was found. Shailesh, through the note, has sought apologies from his children. While confirming that he is solely responsible for his own death, Shailesh has expressed the desire that his property should not be disposed off.

After hearing pistol shots at night, people living in the neighbourhood woke from their slumber and conveyed information to the police personnel of camp station here. The police who arrived at the residence of Shailesh found his body lying in a pool of blood.

Shailesh's grandmother, Mayi Joshi, had set up Amrut Pharmaceuticals in 1938. The company has grown by leaps and bounds and currently employs hundreds of people. Shailesh's father Sharad, took measures to popularize Amrut Malam. During the tenure of Shailesh, the company grew its presence in south Indian states, and its annual turnover runs into several crores of rupees as of now.

Shailesh had won several awards and felicitations including Udyog Ratna for his achievements.