Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed deep sorrow over the untimely death of Goa Congress leader Dr Ketan Bhatikar, who died after suffering a snakebite near the Goa-Karnataka border late Thursday night.

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Bhatikar, a renowned physiotherapist and emerging Congress face in Goa politics, was 38 years old.

Rahul Gandhi’s Condolence Message

Paying tribute to the young leader, Rahul Gandhi remembered Bhatikar for his dedication towards public service and commitment to the people of Goa.

Deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Dr. Ketan Bhatikar ji, our young Congress leader from Goa.

He was a renowned physiotherapist who served the people with commitment and conviction.

My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/CLrSho58MX

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 15, 2026

“Deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Dr. Ketan Bhatikar ji, our young Congress leader from Goa. He was a renowned physiotherapist who served the people with commitment and conviction. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.”

The Congress MP’s message triggered an outpouring of condolences from party workers and supporters across Goa.

Snakebite Incident Near Goa-Karnataka Border

According to police officials, the incident occurred on Thursday night while Bhatikar was travelling to Dandeli village in Karnataka.

He reportedly got down near Karmal Ghat, located along the Goa-Karnataka border, when a snake bit him under unclear circumstances. He was immediately rushed to the Primary Health Centre in Dharbandora, Goa, but doctors declared him brought dead.

Authorities are further looking into the incident.

Prominent Congress Face In Goa Politics

Dr Ketan Bhatikar had recently emerged as one of the prominent young faces of the Goa Congress. He was the party’s candidate for the Ponda Assembly bypoll, which was later cancelled following a High Court verdict.

Bhatikar had challenged the ruling in the Supreme Court through a Special Leave Petition, which remains pending before the apex court.

Known professionally as a physiotherapist, he had built a reputation for community service and grassroots outreach in the region.

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Political And Public Condolences Pour In

Leaders from Congress and other political parties expressed shock over Bhatikar’s sudden death, remembering him as a committed public servant and a rising political figure in Goa.

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Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele will spearhead France at the World Cup after coach Didier Deschamps on Thursday announced his 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Mbappe set to captain France

Deschamps, who guided France to World Cup glory in 2018 and will leave his role after the 2026 edition, included few surprises.

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“It’s a squad. Not necessarily the 26 best players. It’s about balance and how the team comes together,” Deschamps told French TV channel TF1.

“The overriding and essential criterion (for selection) is a sporting one,” the 57-year-old later explained to journalists.

Mbappe will likely captain the team from the get-go despite a thigh injury sustained last month, which caused him to miss key matches in Real Madrid’s La Liga run-in.

The 27-year-old will be joined on the plane to North America by an array of attacking talent such as Ballon d’Or holder Dembele and Desire Doue of Paris Saint-Germain, as well as Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.

Rayan Cherki will make his World Cup debut.

The 22-year-old playmaker has enjoyed a sparkling debut season at Manchester City, while his Premier League rival William Saliba of Arsenal will provide defensive solidity for Les Bleus.

Dayot Upamecano of Bundesliga champions Bayern will be expected to partner Saliba in the heart of the France defence, with Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix also included.

Camavinga, Chevalier out

Full-back Lucas Hernandez and midfielder N’Golo Kante are, alongside Mbappe and Dembele, the sole survivors from Deschamps’ World Cup-winning squad from eight years ago in Russia.

Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser is the only uncapped player in the squad.

Notable absentees are Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and PSG ‘keeper Lucas Chevalier, who has become second choice at the Parc des Princes since his high-profile transfer from Lille last summer.

“I can imagine how disappointed he (Camavinga) must be,” Deschamps said. “He’s coming off a tough season where he didn’t play as much and suffered injuries. (But) I’ve got decisions to make and a squad to put together.”

Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike will also not be a part of the squad after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in April.

“It’s been part of my life for 14 years running. But if people are worried, I’m not retiring. I’ll have a life of my own. The World Cup is the most important thing,” Deschamps said of announcing his seventh and final France squad for a major international tournament.

France will start their Group I campaign against Senegal on June 16, before playing Iraq and Norway.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan/ITA), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes)

Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa/ENG), Malo Gusto (Chelsea/ENG), Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal/KSA), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool/ENG), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace/ENG), Jules Kounde (Barcelona/ESP), William Saliba (Arsenal/ENG), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich/GER)

Midfielders: N’Golo Kante (Fenerbahce/TUR), Manu Kone (Roma/ITA), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan/ITA), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid/ESP), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)

Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City/ENG), Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich/GER), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/ESP), Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace/ENG), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan/ITA)

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