Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, June 6: A tragic road accident on the National Highway near Kinnimulky in Udupi has claimed the life of an MBA student who was also a well-known devotional singer and tabla player. The deceased has been identified as Sankeertan (28), a resident of Kidiyur.

The incident occurred on National Highway 66 when a car travelling from Kundapura towards Mangaluru was allegedly driven in a negligent and careless manner.

The vehicle first collided with a goods vehicle, then mounted the road divider, and finally crashed into another goods vehicle coming from the opposite direction. Following this, the car struck a motorbike that was travelling behind the goods vehicle.

The bike rider, Sankeertan, was thrown onto the road and suffered severe injuries. Though he was immediately rushed to hospital, he succumbed to his injuries on the way. Three others sustained injuries in the multi-vehicle collision.

The Malpe police have registered a case in connection with the accident and are conducting further investigations.

Sankeertan was the son of Suresh Acharya of Kidiyur, a well-known bhajan singer and tabla player. He was himself a skilled tabla and harmonium player, actively involved in various devotional music events. He regularly performed at venues such as Nityananda Bhajana Mandira, Kannarpadi Jayadurga Parameshwari Temple, Prasanna Ganapathi Temple, and Veera Vitthala Temple.

At the time of his death, Sankeertan was in the final year of his MBA studies at Alva’s Engineering College in Moodbidri. His untimely demise has deeply shocked the local cultural and devotional music communities.