Goa Congress leader Dr. Ketan Bhatikar died Thursday night after being bitten by a snake [1], [2].

The death of the 38-year-old [1] politician removes a prominent figure from the party's regional leadership during a period of political activity in the state.

Bhatikar was bitten in the Karmal Ghat area, located near the border between Goa and Karnataka [3], [4]. Reports indicate the incident occurred on the night of May 15, 2026 [3]. While some reports state he died of a snakebite [1], [2], other accounts describe the cause as a suspected snakebite [5].

Bhatikar served as the Congress candidate for the Ponda by-election [2]. Some reports indicate that this specific by-election was cancelled [5], though other sources do not mention a cancellation of the proceedings [2].

Party members have issued tributes to the deceased leader following the news of his death. The sudden loss of a candidate in his late 30s is an unexpected blow to the local party infrastructure, particularly in the Ponda region where he was active.

Medical details regarding the species of snake or the specific circumstances of the bite in the Karmal Ghat area have not been released. Local authorities and party officials continue to manage the aftermath of the incident [3].

“Dr. Ketan Bhatikar died Thursday night after being bitten by a snake.”

The death of Dr. Ketan Bhatikar creates a sudden vacancy in the Congress party's strategic planning for the Ponda region. Given his role as a candidate, his absence may force the party to reorganize its local leadership and candidate selection process, while the incident highlights the persistent danger of wildlife encounters in the border regions of Goa and Karnataka.