Bhatkal: Senior social worker from Bhatkal, Tajuddin Askari, passed away in a tragic road accident at Mullikatte junction under the Gangolli Police Station limits near Kundapur on Thursday.
The accident occurred around 8:30 AM when Tajuddin was traveling with his son in a car to Mangaluru Airport, from where he was scheduled to board a flight to Bengaluru. Reports suggest that a car and a bike in front of them suddenly applied brakes at a road hump, causing their vehicle to overturn and fall into a nearby drain. Tajuddin sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Udupi, where he succumbed to his injuries around 1 PM.
Tajuddin had lived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for nearly 40 years, working in the accounts department of a reputed company. He served as the Vice President and General Secretary of the Bhatkal Muslim Community Jeddah, and was widely known for his commitment to community service—particularly his assistance to Hajj pilgrims in earlier years. He was also actively involved in supporting the poor and needy, and extended his support to various social and educational organisations and institutions associated with Bhatkal. After returning to Bhatkal in 2017, his services were formally recognised and honoured by the Bhatkal community in Jeddah.
News of his sudden demise has deeply saddened the community. Several prominent leaders have expressed their condolences, including Atiqur Rahman Muniri, Secretary General of the Bhatkal Muslim Gulf Council; Qamar Saada, President of Bhatkal Muslim Community Jeddah; Faizan Shahbandari, General Secretary; Abdul Salam Damda Abu and Nauman Aliakbara, former presidents; Ubaidullah Askari, former General Secretary; Inayatullah Shahbandari, President of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem Bhatkal; and Abdul Raqeeb MJ Nadvi, General Secretary. They prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased, a high place for him in Paradise, and strength and patience for his wife, five daughters, only son, and other grieving relatives.
His close relative, Mr. Altaf Kola, informed that following legal formalities at the Udupi hospital, the body is being brought to the deceased’s residence at Maulana Azad Road, Bhatkal. It is expected to arrive by 10 PM tonight. Funeral prayers will be offered at Jamia Masjid Bhatkal at 10 AM on Friday, followed by burial at the old cemetery.