Daijiworld Media Network - Haveri (ANK/SP)

Haveri, Jan 15: A journalist lost his life in an accident in Haveri here late night on Saturday January 13.

Suddi TV channel's Sirsi correspondent Mounesh Potharaj (28), son of Hanumantappa and Neelavva, died in a bike accident at Hangal in Haveri.

He was on his way to his hometown in Shirahatti taluk in Gadag for Sankranti celebrations when his bike rammed into a tree, killing him on the spot.

In a controversial development, the Hangal police transported his body to the morgue in the government hospital allegedly in a garbage truck of the city municipal council. This sparked anger among the locals.

The police thereafter carried the mortal remains of the reporter in a tractor that is usually used for disposing off garbage of Hangal town. This action of the police attracted widespread criticism.

Former minister, C M Udasi, visited the government hospital where the body was preserved, and admonished the police officers and doctors.

District superintendent of police, K Parashuram, clarified that other vehicles were not available on account of Sankranthi festival. He said that the department was left with no other option but to use a vehicle belonging to the municipality for the purpose.