The sudden death of renowned physiotherapist and social worker Dr. Ketan Bhatikar after a tragic snake-bite incident at Anmod Ghat has shocked Goa. Dr. Bhatikar reportedly lost his life while returning from Dandeli during the early hours of Friday after being bitten by a snake in the remote forest stretch near the Karnataka check-post. Poor mobile connectivity and the absence of nearby medical facilities delayed emergency treatment, and he was declared brought dead at Piliem Primary Health Centre.
Amid the grief surrounding his untimely passing, many people online have drawn attention to a striking coincidence linked to Goa’s Ponda constituency. Dr. Ketan Bhatikar now becomes the third prominent personality associated with Ponda whose death is connected with the 15th day of a month.
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Former MLA Lavu Mamledar passed away on February 15 (2025), while former Goa Chief Minister Ravi Naik reportedly died on October 15 (2025). Now, Dr. Ketan Bhatikar’s death on May 15 has added another chapter to what many are calling an unusual and emotional pattern.
The coincidence has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many residents of Ponda expressing shock and disbelief. While some described the sequence as mysterious, others saw it as a heartbreaking reminder of the deep connection these personalities shared with the constituency and its people.
All three figures were widely known in Goa for their contribution to public life and society, making the coincidence even more emotional for many across the state.
