Meet Congress Leader, Dr Ketan Bhatikar, Dies At 38 From Snake Bite, Was A Physio For Goa Ranji Team

Renowned physiotherapist and Congress candidate, Dr Ketan Bhatikar, has passed away after an alleged snake bite.

Congress leader, Dr Ketan Bhatikar, passed away at the age of 38, leaving his friends and family heartbroken. According to reports, the young leader was also working as a physiotherapist in Goa and died after an alleged snake bite. As people around the world mourn the loss of the esteemed leader, let's take a quick look at what we know about him and his career.

Dr Ketan Bhatikar passed away after being bitten by a snake

The tragic news of Dr Ketan Bhatikar's passing started making rounds on May 15, 2026. According to reports, the Congress candidate for the upcoming Ponda Assembly by-election reportedly died from a snake bite while travelling near Karmal Ghat along the Goa-Karnataka border on Thursday, May 14, 2026, night. He was rushed to a hospital in Dharbandora, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. The news of his passing was confirmed by police on the morning of May 15, 2026.

Dr Ketan Bhatikar was the party's face during the recently cancelled Ponda assembly bypoll. The police spoke with PTI and issued a formal statement confirming Ketan's demise, and were quoted as saying:

"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."

Dr Ketan Bhatikar's political career

Dr Ketan Bhatikar was the face of Congress for the Ponda by-election. However, the elections were cancelled following a high court verdict. According to reports, Ketan had moved the Supreme Court against the HC order through a Special Leave Petition, which is pending before the apex court.

Dr Ketan Bhatikar's medical practice 

According to Ketan Bhatikar's Sports Physiotherapy Aqua Rehabilitation Clinic (KBSPARC), he was pursuing his PhD in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from Spain and holds a Master's Degree in Orthopaedic and Sports Physiotherapy. The website revealed that Ketan completed his Aquatic Therapy training in London and had been practising in Goa as a physiotherapist for the Goa Ranji Team. Not only had he travelled abroad for many cricket matches, but he was also the Head Physiotherapist at the Football Unity World Cup 2015, representing countries such as Brazil, Portugal, Ghana, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, and India.

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The website further revealed that Dr Ketan Bhatikar holds the honorary post of Medical Director at the Goa Cricket Association, affiliated with the BCCI. He has been the physio for Super Six cricket matches for the Superstars and was the H.O.D. as consultant Physiotherapist at BITS Pilani, Goa. Between 2014 and 2017, he was the youngest General Secretary of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists. Ketan also authored two books, Dignity for Physios and Strength & Conditioning. 

Political leaders extend their condolences

As soon as the news of Dr Ketan Bhatikar's death started making rounds online, many political figures took to their social media platforms to express their condolences. Leader of Opposition, Yuri Alemao, expressed sorrow over Ketan's death and offered condolences to his family, relatives, and friends. He wrote in a post on X, "Deeply saddened by the passing of our leader, Dr Ketan Bhatikar. 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." 

The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee also mourned the loss of the party leader and penned, "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. In this moment of grief, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and supporters. May his soul rest in peace, and may the family find strength to bear this irreparable loss." Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party Goa wrote:

"We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Dr Ketan Bhatikar. His sudden passing is truly heartbreaking and a loss for Goa. In this difficult moment, we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, supporters and everyone grieving this loss. May they find strength and courage during this painful time. May his soul rest in eternal peace."

image credit: INCGoa/X, AAPGoa/X, KBSparc.in

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr Ketan Bhatikar.

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