Goa Congress leader Dr Ketan Bhatikar, a well-known physiotherapist and emerging political face in the state, passed away on Thursday night after a snake bite incident near the Goa–Karnataka border, according to police reports cited by news agencies.
He was 38 years old and had recently been active in public life as the Congress candidate for the Ponda Assembly bypoll, which was later cancelled following a High Court verdict. His sudden death has triggered shock and condolences across political parties in Goa.
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Early Life
Dr Bhatikar was widely recognised in Goa’s medical community as a skilled physiotherapist. Over the years, he built a reputation for his professional dedication and patient care, earning respect among peers and patients alike.
Apart from his medical practice, he gradually became involved in public affairs and social issues in Ponda and surrounding regions. His transition from healthcare professional to political figure made him a familiar name in local political circles, particularly within the Congress party in Goa.
Entry into Politics and Role in Congress
In recent years, Dr Bhatikar aligned with the Indian National Congress and emerged as one of its prominent young faces in central Goa. He was selected as the party’s candidate for the Ponda Assembly by-election, which was later cancelled following judicial proceedings.
Despite the cancellation of the bypoll, he continued to remain active in party work and legal proceedings related to the election matter. He had even moved the Supreme Court through a Special Leave Petition challenging the High Court’s order, which was still pending.
Party colleagues described him as a committed worker who maintained close contact with grassroots supporters and local issues in his constituency.
According to police officials, the incident occurred when Dr Bhatikar was travelling towards Dandeli village in Karnataka. He reportedly got down at Karmal Ghat on the Goa–Karnataka border for some reason, where he was bitten by a snake.
He was immediately rushed to the Primary Health Centre in Dharbandora, Goa, but doctors declared him brought dead. Authorities are still reviewing the exact circumstances of the incident.
Political Reactions and Tributes
The news of his death has led to widespread condolences from across the political spectrum in Goa. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed shock and sadness, calling Dr Bhatikar’s passing a “profound loss to the medical community” and extended sympathies to his family.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao also mourned his death, highlighting his dedication to public service and offering condolences to his family and supporters.
The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee described him as a dedicated leader whose commitment to public service and contribution to society would be remembered with respect.
At just 38, Dr Ketan Bhatikar was seen as a rising figure bridging healthcare and politics in Goa. His work as a physiotherapist and his growing political presence had positioned him as a promising young leader within the state’s Congress unit.
His untimely death has left both the medical and political communities in shock, marking a sudden end to a career that many believed was only beginning to gain momentum.
