Team Goemkarponn
PONDA: Goa Congress leader Ketan Bhatikar passed away following a suspected snake bite incident reported from the Karmal Ghat stretch near the Goa–Karnataka border late Thursday night.
According to available details, Bhatikar was travelling towards Karnataka when he suddenly fell ill under unclear circumstances.
He was first taken to a nearby health facility and later shifted to the Primary Health Centre in Dharbandora via 108 ambulance services for further treatment.
However, upon arrival, medical officers examined him and declared him brought dead at around 3:45 am.
Sources indicated that he showed critical symptoms, including bluish discolouration of the lips, suggesting a severe medical complication before reaching the hospital. The exact cause of death will be confirmed only after the postmortem report.
Bhatikar, a physiotherapist by profession, had recently gained prominence within the Congress party during preparations for the now-cancelled Ponda Assembly bypoll.
His sudden demise has sent shockwaves through political circles in Goa, with leaders and supporters expressing grief and condolences.
