PONDA, GOA – A wave of grief swept through the town of Ponda as hundreds gathered to pay their final respects to Dr. Ketan Bhatikar, a prominent political leader and celebrated physiotherapist, whose untimely passing has left the state in shock. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was among the first high-ranking officials to arrive at the residence of the deceased to offer his condolences to the bereaved family.
The atmosphere in Ponda remained somber as supporters, medical professionals, and political colleagues from various parties lined up to catch a final glimpse of the leader who was widely respected for his commitment to public service and healthcare.
A Tragic Turn of Events
The news of Dr. Bhatikar’s death broke early Friday morning, following a tragic incident near the Goa-Karnataka border. Reports indicate that Dr. Bhatikar (38) was traveling to Dandeli with a friend when they stopped near Anmod Ghat.
According to sources, the tragedy occurred when Dr. Bhatikar dropped his mobile phone on the roadside. While kneeling to retrieve it in the dark, he was bitten by a venomous snake. Despite being rushed to the Primary Health Centre in Dharbandora, he was unfortunately declared brought dead. The medical community has described his passing as a “profound loss,” noting his significant contributions as a skilled physiotherapist.
CM Pramod Sawant Leads the Tributes
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, putting aside political differences, arrived in Ponda to pay homage. Speaking to the media, the CM expressed his deep sorrow:
The CM joined a long list of dignitaries, including Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and Congress President Amit Patkar, who highlighted Bhatikar’s “unwavering dedication” to the welfare of society.
Why Dr. Bhatikar’s Legacy Matters
Dr. Ketan Bhatikar was a rising star in Goan politics, known for his tenacity and grassroots connection.
- Political Journey: He contested the 2022 Assembly elections from Ponda under the MGP banner, losing by a razor-thin margin of just 77 votes.
- Recent Advocacy: Most recently, he had joined the Congress party and was the frontrunner for the Ponda by-poll. Even after the by-poll was cancelled following a High Court order, he continued his fight for the constituency by approaching the Supreme Court.
- Medical Service: Beyond politics, he was a household name for his medical practice, often providing affordable or free consultation to those in need.
Impact on the Local Community
The loss of Dr. Bhatikar creates a significant void in the Ponda political landscape. His ability to bridge the gap between healthcare and social service made him a unique figure in the state. For his supporters, his death represents the loss of a voice that was consistently raised for the development of Ponda and Curti.
Key Takeaways
- Tragic Demise: Dr. Ketan Bhatikar passed away due to a neurotoxic snakebite near the Goa-Karnataka border.
- Statewide Mourning: CM Pramod Sawant and leaders from Congress, MGP, and AAP have expressed their grief.
- Medical Loss: Dr. Bhatikar was a highly regarded physiotherapist in Goa.
- Political Void: His passing leaves the Congress party without its primary candidate for the Ponda constituency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Dr. Ketan Bhatikar? Dr. Ketan Bhatikar was a prominent Goan politician and a well-known physiotherapist. He was a candidate for the Congress party and had previously contested elections with the MGP and Goa Suraksha Manch.
2. How did the incident occur? The incident happened late Thursday night/early Friday morning near Anmod Ghat. Dr. Bhatikar was bitten by a snake while trying to retrieve a dropped mobile phone during a brief stop on his way to Karnataka.
3. What was his most recent political involvement? He was the Congress party’s candidate for the Ponda by-election and had recently filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court regarding the cancellation of those polls.
4. Where were the last rites held? The last respects were paid at his residence in Ponda, where a large number of people, including the Chief Minister, gathered to honor his memory.
