In a devastating incident, a fire broke out in a bungalow in Gandhinagar, claiming the lives of a well-known hotelier and his wife, a local BJP leader. Ramananda Shetty, 53, and his wife, Ashwini Shetty (50), succumbed to the tragic accident, leaving behind their two children, who miraculously survived.
The fire, caused by a short circuit in the centralised air conditioning system, quickly spread throughout the bungalow. The entire house was soon engulfed in flames, and thick smoke filled the air, making it difficult for the occupants to escape. The fire reportedly started around 5:30 a.m., and neighbours who noticed the smoke immediately rushed to the scene. Despite their efforts, the fire had already taken hold of the house.
Ramananda Shetty, the owner of Shetty Lunch Home in Ambalapadi, was a respected figure in the community. He lived in the bungalow with his wife Ashwini Shetty, who was the president of the Udupi Nagar BJP Mahila Morcha, and their two sons, Anshula Shetty, an engineering student, and Abhik Shetty, a Class 8 student. Ashwini Shetty was known for her social media presence, where she gained a significant following for her reels on Sanatan culture and rituals, amassing over 100,000 followers on Instagram.
When the fire broke out, neighbours quickly alerted the authorities. Firefighters arrived promptly and worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames. They broke down the door to rescue the two children, who were found screaming in a bedroom. Tragically, Ramananda Shetty and Ashwini Shetty were found half-conscious in another bedroom due to smoke inhalation. They were rushed to Manipal’s KMC hospital, but Ramananda Shetty passed away en route. Despite being treated in the intensive care unit, Ashwini Shetty succumbed to her injuries, unable to overcome the effects of severe smoke inhalation.
The fire department, led by Udupi District Fire Officer Vinayak, responded quickly to the emergency. The team, including personnel Raghavendra, Sudhir, Vinayak, Ravi, Khaza Hussain, Tausif, and Shahbaz, worked alongside Additional SP of District Police S.T. Siddalingappa and Nagar Thana SI personnel in the rescue operation. Despite their best efforts, the fully air-conditioned bungalow, constructed primarily of wood, was a significant challenge to contain.
This tragic incident has left the community in shock and mourning. Ramananda Shetty was not only a successful businessman but also a beloved figure known for his contributions to the social and cultural fabric of the region. With her deep-rooted love for Sanatan Samskara, Ashwini Shetty had garnered a dedicated following through her social media reels under the name “Ballal’s Caboose.” She was active in various fields, including literature, dance, and social service, and had made a mark in the BJP.
As the community grapples with the loss of these two prominent figures, the focus now shifts to supporting the Shetty children, who have been left orphaned by this tragic event. The incident underscores the importance of fire safety, especially in homes with extensive use of air conditioning and electrical systems. The investigation into the exact cause of the short circuit is ongoing, and authorities are urging the public to take necessary precautions to prevent similar tragedies.
