A renowned social worker, Leprosy Service Committee’s CEO, and granddaughter of the Magsaway laureate, Murlidhar D. Amte, alias Baba Amte, Sheetal Amte Karajki has allegedly committed suicide at Anadwan at her residence in Chandrapur district.
Sheetal was a known Indian public health expert, disability specialist, and social entrepreneur. She was currently working at the position of Chief Executive Officer and board member of the non-profit organization, Maharogi Sewa Samiti. The organization works for the welfare of leprosy patients and was founded by Baba Amte in 1949.
Last week, Sheetal had shared a live video on her Facebook wall in which she raised the allegations about the ongoing irregularities in the Maharogi Sewa Samiti accusing her family members. But she later deleted the video within two hours. The family members told the media that Sheetal was suffering from mental stress and depression.
Sheetal injected herself and ended her life on Monday morning. She was rushed to the Warora’s government hospital, but was declared dead on the arrival.
Muralidhar D Amte alias Baba Amte had founded the Leprosy Services Committee and was known for his social work for the people suffering from Leprosy. He established the Anandwan – ‘Bliss of Forest’, a rehabilitation centre for leprosy patients in 1949.
In order to set an example, Baba Amte injected himself with bacilli to prove that leprosy is not a highly contagious disease. He was honored with the Padam Shri award in 1971.
