Deodurg MLA Venkatesh Naik dies in rail accident

Veteran Congress leader and MLA of Deodurg constituency in Raichur district, Karnataka, A Venkatesh Naik (79) died in a rail accident near Penugonda in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, at about 2.30 am on Monday. The accident occurred when Bangalore-Nanded Express (Train No: 16594) in which Mr. Naik was travelling was rammed by a granite laden truck at a level crossing near Madakashira village between Rangepalli and Penugonda Stations in Anantapur district on Dharmavaram Section of Bengaluru division of South Western Railway, leading to the derailment of four coaches and killing six people, including Mr. Naik. He is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters.