Goa Congress Leader Ketan Bhatikar Dies Following Suspected Snake Bite

Goa Congress leader and noted physiotherapist Dr Ketan Bhatikar died after reportedly suffering a snake bite near the Goa-Karnataka border late Thursday night, triggering shock and condolences across political and medical circles in the state. Bhatikar, 38, was travelling towards Dandeli in Karnataka when the incident occurred near Karmal Ghat, according to police officials. 

Police said Bhatikar had stepped out of his vehicle at the ghat section when he was allegedly bitten by a snake. He was immediately rushed to the Primary Health Centre in Dharbandora, Goa, where doctors declared him brought dead. Authorities said further medical examination and post-mortem procedures were being carried out to confirm the exact cause of death. 

Dr Bhatikar was widely known in Goa not only for his political activities but also for his work as a physiotherapist and social activist. He had recently emerged as one of the prominent faces of the Goa Congress during the now-cancelled Ponda Assembly by-election. The bypoll was later called off following a court ruling, though Bhatikar had challenged the decision in the Supreme Court through a Special Leave Petition that remains pending. 

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The sudden death prompted reactions from leaders across party lines. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed grief over the incident and described Bhatikar’s passing as deeply shocking. Congress leaders and supporters also paid tribute to him, remembering his growing political presence and outreach among local communities in Ponda and nearby regions. 

Friends and colleagues described Bhatikar as a committed public figure who balanced his medical profession with active participation in state politics. His death has also renewed concerns over safety in forested ghat regions along the Goa-Karnataka border, especially during nighttime travel when encounters with wildlife and snakes are more common. 

The Congress party is expected to hold condolence meetings in the coming days, while supporters across Goa continue to mourn the loss of a young leader seen as an emerging political voice in the state. Authorities have not yet released the final medical findings related to the incident.

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