Former MLA Dattu Hakkyagol dies in accident

Riding a bike without helmets proved costly for former BJP MLA and the rider as they were killed on the spot in a road accident on National Highway near Hitni cross in Hukkeri taluk, Belagavi district, on Friday.

Dattu Hakkyagol (70), who had represented Chikkodi Assembly Constituency (SC), hailed from Kerur village, Chikkodi taluk. He was riding pillion on the bike of Suresh Erappa Gadikar (50), a resident of Kerur. Gadikar was also killed in the accident. They were heading to Masoba temple at Hitni when the accident occurred, said the police.

Gadikar entered the NH from the service road without noticing a truck. As the bike suddenly entered the road, the driver failed to control the truck and hit the bike, added the police.

Zilla Panchayat member

Hakkyagol successfully contested in 2004. He was also Zilla Panchayat member between 1986 and 1991. A simple man Hakkyagol lived in small house and travelled by bus.

When the winter session of the Assembly was held at Belagavi, he had threatened to consume poison and commit suicide if the government failed to accord the status of district to Chikkodi. He is survived by wife and two daughters.