Ketan Bhatikar, Goa Congress leader, dies after snake bite

A late-night journey near the Goa-Karnataka border ended in tragedy after Goa Congress leader Ketan Bhatikar died following a snake bite on Thursday night. Police said the 38-year-old leader was travelling towards Dandeli village in Karnataka when the incident took place at Karmal Ghat. He was taken to a health centre in Goa, where doctors declared him brought dead. Bhatikar had recently emerged as the Congress party’s face during the now-cancelled Ponda assembly bypoll, making his sudden death a shock for party workers and supporters in Goa.

Snake bite incident took place at Karmal Ghat

According to police, Bhatikar had stopped at Karmal Ghat, located on the Goa-Karnataka border, when the snake bit him.

“Bhatikar had got down at Karmal Ghat, on the Goa-Karnataka border, for some reason, when a snake bit him. He was rushed to the Primary Health Centre in Dharbandora, Goa, where doctors declared him brought dead,” a police official said.


The incident happened late on Thursday night while he was travelling towards Karnataka’s Dandeli village.

Congress leader was linked to cancelled Ponda bypoll

Bhatikar had contested as the Congress candidate for the Ponda assembly by-election. The bypoll was later cancelled after a high court verdict.

He had challenged the HC order in the Supreme Court through a Special Leave Petition, which is currently pending before the apex court.

Within Congress circles in Goa, Bhatikar had become a recognised political face during the bypoll developments and legal battle linked to the constituency.

Leaders express grief over sudden death

Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao expressed sorrow over Bhatikar’s death and remembered his role in public life.

“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 late leader and offered condolences to his family, friends and supporters.

In a post on X, the GPCC said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of party leader Dr Ketan Bhatikar. His unwavering dedication, commitment to public service, and contribution to the party and society will always be remembered with great respect and gratitude.”

“May his soul rest in peace, and may the family find strength to bear this irreparable loss,” it added.