Union minister Shripad Naik hurt in accident; wife, aide dead

PANAJI: Union minister Shripad Naik was injured while his wife and an aide died in a road accident in Karnataka on Monday, an official said.

Naik's wife Vijaya and the aide were travelling with the minister when the vehicle met with an accident near Ankola in Uttar Kannada district, while he was returning to Goa from Dharmasthala in Karnataka.

Naik is being brought to Goa Medical College for further treatment, the official said.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to ensure proper medical treatment for the minister, sources said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also spoke to Sawant about speedy medical treatment of Naik (68).

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa condoled the demise of Naik's wife and conveyed his wishes for Naik's speedy recovery.