HAVERI: Haveri district’s Bankapura was replete with obituary banners Sunday, following news about a resident’s “death”. A WhatsApp group titled ‘Muktidham’ even saw members posting “Om Shanti” messages.
It all went along expected lines — until it was discovered later in the day that the person in question was very much alive. In no time, the “RIP”s transformed into wishes for his good health!
Bishtappa Gudimani (aka Master), 45, a resident of Manjunath Nagar, Bankapur, was under treatment in a vegetative state at a private facility in Dharwad. As he showed no signs of life even after several hours of medical care, doctors at the hospital declared him dead. His wife Sheela, along with the other family members, made arrangements to bring the “body” home in an ambulance.
On their way back, as the ambulance stopped by the roadside, Gudimani suddenly began breathing. The shocked family immediately rushed him to a Shiggaon hospital. The medical team there confirmed his vital signs, provided him with initial treatment and referred him to KIMS Hospital, where he is currently under supervision.
Shivanand Goudar, a relative of Gudimani, said: “Upon hearing the news about his ‘death’, distant relatives arrived for the ‘funeral’. Obituary banners had also been put up, and many expressed condolences in a WhatsApp group. Arrangements were made at the crematorium for his ‘last rites’. But by God’s grace, he survived,” the relative added.
Dr SF Kammar, director, KIMS, Hubballi said, “Bishtappa is suffering from chronic liver and pneumonia. His condition is critical, and he is on a ventilator.”
