In a deeply disturbing incident, Goa Congress leader Ketan Bhatikar died after being bitten by a snake near the Goa-Karnataka border, police said on Friday. He was 38.According to police, the incident took place on Thursday night while Bhatikar was travelling towards Dandeli village in Karnataka. Officials said he had stepped out of the vehicle at Karmal Ghat for some reason when the snake bit him.
He was rushed to the Primary Health Centre in Dharbandora, Goa, where doctors declared him brought dead," a police official said. Bhatikar had recently contested as the Congress candidate in the Ponda assembly bypoll, which was later cancelled following a high court verdict. He had challenged the HC order in the Supreme Court through a Special Leave Petition, which is currently pending. Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao expressed grief over Bhatikar’s death. “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 tribute to the leader and conveyed condolences to his family, friends and supporters.