Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 13: A devotee observing the Ayyappa mala vratam from Ullal taluk, who had undertaken the Sabarimala pilgrimage, died of a heart attack at Erimala in Kerala on Monday January 12.

The deceased has been identified as businessman Chandrahas Shetty (55), a resident of Pilaru Delantabettu under the Someshwar municipal limits.

Chandrahas had set out on the Sabarimala pilgrimage on Saturday along with other Ayyappa devotees from Arkula and Tuppekallu in the city. On Monday, while travelling from Erimala towards Pampa through the forest route, he reportedly collapsed and died.

Speaker U T Khader held discussions with public representatives and officials in Kerala to ensure that the post-mortem was conducted promptly and that the body was brought back to Ullal. The mortal remains are expected to reach Ullal on Tuesday.

Chandrahas was originally a resident of Bakrabail and was engaged in the mineral water supply business. He had constructed a house in Pilaru about ten years ago and had been residing there since.

He is survived by his wife, daughter and son.