Bhatkal: A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday morning around 8:30, as a young girl lost her life while two others sustained injuries in a road accident. The incident occurred when a lorry, attempting to overtake their bike on Shirali National Highway, collided with them and fled the scene.
The deceased has been identified as Nikita Mahabaleshwar Gonda (23), a resident of Kargil near Sagar in the neighboring Shimoga district. Nikita had recently completed her degree and was staying at her aunt's house in Gulmi in Bhatkal while searching for employment.
Accompanied by her aunt Girija Gonda (45) and cousin Ganesh Gonda (35), Nikita was en route to Shirali when the speeding lorry struck their bike. The impact resulted in Nikita, who was seated in the middle, being fatally trapped under one of the lorry's wheels. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries on the spot, while the other two occupants escaped without major harm.
The lorry, responsible for the accident, fled the scene immediately, prompting an ongoing search by the police.
بھٹکل نیشنل ہائی وے پر بائک کو ٹکر مارکر لاری فرار؛نوجوان لڑکی کی موقع پر موت
Following the incident, the National Highway experienced disruptions in traffic flow temporarily. However, Rural Police Station PSI Mayur Patan Shetty and his team swiftly arrived at the scene. Local residents rushed the injured victims to Bhatkal Government Hospital, from where Girija Gonda was later transferred to Mangalore for further treatment. Ganesh Gonda, who wore a helmet, suffered minor injuries to his hands but was otherwise unharmed. Subsequently, Nikita's body was moved to the Bhatkal Government Hospital mortuary under police supervision.
Eyewitnesses at the scene highlighted the absence of police personnel at the Shirali check post, enabling the lorry to escape. Concerns were also raised about the inoperability of CCTV cameras installed by the police. Authorities are now working to identify and apprehend the fleeing lorry, utilizing CCTV footage from nearby buildings.
A case has been registered at the Bhatkal Rural Police Station in connection with the incident.
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