Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep grief on the demise of Karnataka Minister Umesh Katti, who died of cardiac arrest on Tuesday night. He was 61.
The minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and Forest collapsed in the bathroom at his Dollar’s Colony residence in Bengaluru at 10.30 pm and was rushed to MS Ramaih hospital. However, he could not be revived, according to reports.
The minister's body will be taken to his native place Bagewadi for the last rites with full state honours after keeping it for public viewing till 2 pm at Sankeshwara, Belagavi, the reports said, adding that there will be no entertainment programmes by the state on Wednesday. The national flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings.
The Prime Minister tweeted, "Shri Umesh Katti Ji was an experienced leader who made rich contributions to Karnataka’s development. Pained by his demise. My thoughts are with his family and supporters in this tragic hour. Om Shanti."
Also extending his condolences over the demise of Umesh Katti, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the state has lost a skilled diplomat, active leader and loyal public servant.
"Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of my close colleague Shri Umesh Katti, Minister of Forests. With his demise, the state has lost a skilled diplomat, active leader and loyal public servant. I pray that the Lord gives strength to his family to bear his loss." the chief minister tweeted.
