Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 7: Anand Monappa Poojary (51), who was reportedly residing in a room at the Transit Camp in Matunga-Dharavi, passed away at Sion Hospital on Sunday, August 3, following a bout of illness.

Upon learning about the death, officers at Shahu Nagar Police Station in Matunga contacted Dr Shiv Mudigere, vice president of Parichayistha Kannadiga Journalists’ Association – Maharashtra. Dr Shiv coordinated with journalist Rons Bantwal, who promptly disseminated the news across media outlets in undivided Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, and even abroad. The report was also shared on several Billava community WhatsApp groups.

After seeing the published reports, the deceased was identified by relatives as a native of Padavu in Adyar near Mangaluru, part of the erstwhile Dakshina Kannada district. Dr Shiv contacted Ashok Kukyan of Sasihitlu through Nityananda D Kotian. Kukyan, in turn, connected with the deceased’s family and assisted them in providing required documentation to the police and hospital authorities. He also formed a helpline and, with support from the Jaya Suvarna Abhimani Balaga, arranged an ambulance. Gangadhar J Poojary arranged accommodation for the visiting family.

On Wednesday night, relatives Ganesh Poojary, Kishore Poojary, and Nithin Poojary visited Shahu Nagar Police Station. With the cooperation of sub-inspector Sai Chandrabhan Patil and coordination from Dr Shiv Mudigere, all formalities and paperwork were completed. The process at Sion Hospital was carried out, and the body was officially handed over to the family, who transported it by ambulance to their native place.

On Thursday, August 7, Bharat Bank chairman Suryakant Jay C Suvarna, Ashok Kukyan, and Dr Shiv Mudigere paid their final respects and offered condolences before the body was sent off.

They also extended support to ensure proper last rites were conducted upon its arrival in the hometown.