Goa Congress leader Dr Ketan Bhatikar, who had emerged as the party’s prominent face during the recently cancelled Ponda Assembly bypoll, died after allegedly being bitten by a snake, police said on Friday.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently visiting Goa, expressed grief over Bhatikar’s untimely demise and offered condolences to his family.
According to police, the incident took place on Thursday night when the 38-year-old leader was travelling towards Dandeli village in neighbouring Karnataka.
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A police official said Bhatikar had reportedly stopped near Karmal Ghat on the Goa-Karnataka border for an unspecified reason when he was bitten by a snake. He was rushed to the Primary Health Centre at Dharbandora in Goa, where doctors declared him brought-dead.
Bhatikar had contested as the Congress candidate in the Ponda by-election, which was later cancelled following a High Court verdict. He had subsequently approached the Supreme Court by filing a Special Leave Petition challenging the High Court order, and the matter is currently pending before the apex court.
Chief Minister Sawant described Bhatikar’s death as a major loss to the medical fraternity and paid tribute to him in a message posted on X.
“Deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the untimely passing of the renowned physiotherapist, Dr Ketan Bhatikar. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. May his soul attain Sadgati,” the chief minister wrote.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao also expressed sorrow over the Congress leader’s passing.
“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,” Alemao said. The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee also paid homage to Bhatikar and extended condolences to his bereaved family, friends and supporters.
In a post on X, the party unit said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of party leader Dr Ketan Bhatikar. His unwavering dedication, commitment to public service, and contribution to the party and society will always be remembered with great respect and gratitude.”
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal also mourned the death of the young leader, saying he was shocked by the news.
“Shocked and saddened to learn about the sudden passing of Dr Ketan Bhatikar, a well-known and prominent Goa leader. My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and supporters in this hour of grief. May he rest in peace. Om Shanti,” Kejriwal posted on X.
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