Former Udupi civic body Vice-President Lakshmi Manjunath killed in bus accident
Former Udupi City Municipal Council Vice-President Lakshmi Manjunath died on Saturday after a private bus hit her near the Old Taluk Office Circle in Udupi. Traffic police said the accident occurred while she was crossing the road after leaving a Canara Bank branch close to the District Court. The bus, named ‘Satyanath,’ was on its way to Udupi when the incident took place.
According to the police, Ms. Manjunath was struck by the bus while crossing the road. She fell onto the carriageway and came under the rear wheels of the vehicle. She sustained fatal injuries and died at the spot, the police said. The driver of the private bus was later identified, and a case has been registered against him.
Lakshmi Manjunath was a well-known figure in Udupi’s civic life. She served as the vice-president of the Udupi City Municipal Council, the urban local body governing Udupi city. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing civic services and participated in council decisions related to infrastructure and public amenities. Her tenure as vice-president allowed her to work closely on issues affecting the daily lives of residents. Her sudden death has come as a shock to her family, colleagues, and the wider community.
The Udupi City Municipal Council, which looks after essential services like sanitation, water supply, and road maintenance, relies on elected representatives like Ms. Manjunath for local governance. As vice-president, she played a key part in the council’s functioning, including chairing meetings in the president’s absence. Those who knew her recall her as a dedicated individual committed to civic responsibilities.
The accident site, Old Taluk Office Circle, is a prominent junction in Udupi. It is located near the District Court and is surrounded by banks, offices, and commercial establishments. The area witnesses heavy pedestrian movement, especially during working hours. Private and public buses frequently pass through this junction, adding to the traffic density. Such conditions pose a considerable risk to pedestrians, and the latest incident has highlighted this concern.
The Udupi Traffic Police have registered a case against the driver of the private bus. A detailed investigation is underway, and officials have stated that all aspects of the accident will be examined. The police are expected to record the statements of eyewitnesses and gather evidence from the scene. The driver’s identity has been confirmed, and further legal proceedings will follow as per the law.
After the accident, Ms. Manjunath’s body was shifted to a government hospital for post-mortem examination. The authorities have informed her family, and arrangements for the funeral have yet to be announced. The police have also appealed to the public for any information that could help in the investigation.
Road accidents involving pedestrians are a concern in many urban areas, and Udupi’s busy junctions are not immune. The latest incident has renewed the focus on pedestrian safety, particularly at intersections with high traffic volume. The police have not yet commented on the specific cause of the accident, and further details are awaited.
