Lokaiah Pambada (55), a Tulu Academy award winning ‘bhoota nartaka’ (who performs roles of traditional spirits of Tulunadu) has committed suicide by consuming poison. A resident of Pelatakatte in Sajipamuda of Bantwal taluk, Pambada had consumed poison in the late night on Thursday. Though he was taken to a private hospital in Mangalore immediately, he died without responding to the treatments. He is survived by wife and two children.

Marriage engagements of both his son and daughter have just been over, but before the auspicious functions, he has committed suicide. A wellknown bhoota nartaka who was famous for his role of Rajan Daiva, Pambada had been honoured with Tulu Academy award in 2004. Litterateur Erya Lakshminarayana Alva, MLA  Padmanabha Kottari and   Raman-ath Rai have condoled his death.