Shripad Naik is out of danger and is being treated in a hospital (Archive)
New Delhi:
Union Minister Shripad Naik was injured while his wife and a close aide were killed after a tragic accident in Karnataka tonight. His wife and personal secretary Deepak, who were in critical condition after the accident, died at the hospital, police confirmed.
Mr. Naik, who is the Union minister of state for AYUSH (independent) and defense, is out of the woods. He is being treated at the Goa Hospital and Medical College in Bambolim.
The accident occurred in Ankola in the Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka. The minister was traveling from Yellapur to Gokarna in the state when the accident occurred.
Dramatic footage from the crash site shows the minister’s white Toyota car in a wrecked state among bushes and trees. The car was badly damaged, photos show.
The white Toyota car in which the minister was traveling with his wife and assistant was seriously damaged
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Goa’s chief minister, Pramod Sawant, to ensure proper arrangements for Mr. Naik’s treatment in the state. The 68-year-old is a BJP MP from North Goa.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also spoke with Pramod Sawant and asked him to give him the best treatment and if the need arises, take Mr. Naik to Delhi. Mr. Sawant has arrived at the hospital.
Karnataka’s Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa expressed his grief on Twitter.
Surprised to learn that the car in which Union Minister Shripad Naik ji was traveling suffered an accident in Uttara Kannada and the death of his wife. My condolences for the tragic death of Smt Naik and prayers for the speedy recovery of Shri Naik and the injured.
– BS Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) January 11, 2021
Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted his condolences after the death of Naik’s wife, Vijaya.
“Deeply saddened to hear the news of Vijaya Naik ji’s death in an accident. Praying for the speedy recovery of Honorable Union Minister Shripad Naik ji, I hope that God will give him and his family the strength to overcome this loss.” he tweeted.
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