Under Secretary in Goa government dies as bus rams into his scooter
In a tragic road accident on Tuesday morning, Narayan Abhyankar, Under Secretary in Goa’s Law Department, lost his life after a private bus struck his scooter on NH-66 near Guirim, close to Mapusa.
The crash happened around 9:45 AM as Abhyankar rode to the Secretariat. A mini-bus merged from a service road and hit him from behind. The impact threw him off his scooter, and the rear wheels of the bus ran over him. He died on the spot.
Victim Identified as Senior Law Department Official
Police identified the victim as Narayan Abhyankar, 51, who had served in the Goa government for nearly two decades. Known for his dedication and humility, he was promoted to Under Secretary (Law) about two years ago.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
What Happened?
According to police, the accident occurred on a busy stretch of NH-66 near the Guirim flyover, a location often criticized for poor safety standards.
Eyewitnesses say the bus was speeding and tried to join the main road without checking oncoming traffic. It hit Abhyankar’s scooter, causing him to fall. The bus then ran over him.
Locals rushed to the scene and called the police. Officers from Mapusa Police Station arrived soon and detained the bus driver. The police have also requested a medical test to check if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Reactions from Government and Public
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed shock and grief. He called Abhyankar a “dedicated officer who always worked with integrity.”
Many colleagues described him as a calm, hardworking official who never sought attention but always delivered results.
“He let his work speak for him. This loss hurts all of us,” said a senior officer from the Law Department.
NH-66 Safety Concerns Resurface
The crash has brought renewed attention to the Guirim–Mapusa stretch of NH-66. Locals have long called this area a danger zone.
Drivers frequently overspeed, traffic signs are missing or unclear, and merging from service roads is unsafe.
“This stretch needs urgent fixes. We’ve lost too many lives already,” said a Guirim resident.
Residents and activists are demanding speed breakers, better road signs, and strict traffic checks.
A Career Built on Quiet Dedication
Abhyankar joined government service in 2005 as a Legal Assistant. His talent and discipline earned him promotions to Superintendent and later to Under Secretary.
He was known for his legal insight and calm leadership. Colleagues remember him as someone who was always ready to help and rarely lost his temper.
“He worked behind the scenes and never took shortcuts. He believed in rules, order, and discipline,” a colleague recalled.
Investigation Underway
The Mapusa Police have registered a case under the Indian Penal Code for rash and negligent driving.
They are checking the bus’s condition, including its brakes and steering system. Officers will also examine CCTV footage to confirm the sequence of events.
“We are reviewing all available evidence. The driver will face strict action if found guilty,” said the investigating officer.
Final Rites and State Tribute
Abhyankar’s final rites took place in his native village. Friends, relatives, and many senior officials attended.
The Goa Secretariat observed a moment of silence in his memory. The Chief Minister’s Office is considering financial aid and a government job for one of his family members under the compassionate appointment scheme.
Conclusion
The death of Narayan Abhyankar is a reminder of the dangers on India’s highways. Even experienced and cautious commuters are not safe when roads are poorly managed and traffic laws ignored.
While police handle the legal side, the government must now act to improve road safety on NH-66. Real change may prevent the next tragedy.
