Goa mourned the untimely death of Congress leader Ketan Bhatikar, with political leaders across party lines expressing shock and condolences over his sudden passing due to a suspected snake bite near Anmod Ghat early Friday.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant along with WRD Ministers Subhash Shirodkar, Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, paid condolences to the 38-year-old physiotherapist-turned-politician, remembering him as a dedicated public servant.
“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,” said CM
Leaders and supporters gathered outside the South Goa District Hospital during the postmortem proceedings, including Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa, Advocate Amit Palekar, GPCC Vice President Sunil Kawthankar and Goa Youth Congress President Archit Naik, all expressing grief over the sudden loss.
The tragedy also drew condolences at the national level, with AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and former Delhi CM Atishi Marlena mourning Bhatikar’s demise.
Leader of the Opposition of Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi also expressed condolences. “Deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Dr. Ketan Bhatikar ji, our young Congress leader from Goa. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones,” said Gandhi
Goa Forward Party chief Vijai Sardesai and MGP leader Deepak Dhavalikar also termed the incident unfortunate and heartbreaking.
According to a friend, the incident occurred when Bhatikar and his friends were returning after Dandeli trip and they stopped mid-way near Anmod Ghat to relieve himself when his mobile fell. When he bent down to pick up his phone and was allegedly bitten by something in the dark, after which he started losing consciousness.
He was rushed in a 108 ambulance from the Mollem Biodiversity area to PHC Dharbandora, where doctors declared him dead.
