Goan Congress leader Ketan Bhatikar died due to a snakebite on Thursday night, news reports said. The 38-year-old leader was bitten by a snake in the Karmal Ghat area on the Goa-Karnataka border.
Ketan Bhatikar reportedly was the Congress candidate for the Ponda by-election. However, the by-election was cancelled due to a High Court verdict. He had filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the High Court order, and the case is currently under hearing.
What happened to Ketan Bhatikar?
On Thursday night, Ketan Bhatikar was on his way to Dandeli village in Karnataka, media reports quoted the police as saying. En route, he made a stop near Karmal Ghat on the Goa-Karnataka border and was bitten by a snake, TV9 Kannada said in a report.
He was immediately taken to the Primary Health Centre in Dharbandora, Goa. However, unfortunately, the doctors declared him dead on arrival, the report said.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Goa Legislative Assembly, Yuri Alemao, has condoled the death of Ketan Bhatikar. “His unwavering commitment to public service will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives and friends during this time of grief. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Mr. Alemao said.
"Deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the untimely passing of the renowned physiotherapist, Dr. Ketan Bhatikar. His departure is a profound loss to the medical community. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. May his soul attain Sadgati," Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on X.