Union Minister Shripad Naik Injured In Accident; Wife, Close Aide Dead

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to ensure proper arrangements for the treatment of Shripad Naik in the state.

Bindulal Thrissur

New Delhi: Union Minister Shripad Naik was injured while his wife and close aide died after a tragic accident in Karnataka today. His wife and his personal secretary, Deepak, who were critical after the crash, died in the hospital, police confirmed.

Mr Naik, who is the Union Minister of state for AYUSH (independent) and defence is out of danger and is being treated at a hospital in Goa.

The accident occurred in Ankola in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka. The minister was travelling from Yellapur to Gokarna in the state when the accident occured.

Dramatic visuals from the accident site shows the white Toyota car the minister was travelling in in a mangled state among bushes and trees. The car was badly damaged, photos show.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to ensure proper arrangements for the treatment of Mr Naik in the state. The 68-year-old is a BJP MP from north Goa.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also spoke to Pramod Sawant and asked him to provide best treatment, and if need arises, fly Mr Naik to Delhi. Mr Sawant has reached the hospital.