In a shocking incident, noted Bengali folk band Dohar’s lead singer Kalika Prasad Bhattacharya passed away on Tuesday due to a major road accident near Hoogly’s Gurap. He was 56.
The accident took place at Gurap on Durgapur Expressway (NH2) in Hooghly district at around 9 AM.
It is reported that the car was speeding at 90km/hr when a tyre gave colliding with a culvert and thereafter rolling over and falling into the Nayanjuli river.
He was traveling along with his other band members. Six members of his band were also injured in the accident and three of them are in critical condition. All members were rushed to Burdwan Medical College. But after admitted, Kalika Prasad was declared brought dead by the doctors.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed grief on the musician’s demise and extended condolence to his family.
Shocked at the tragic demise of Kalikaprasad Bhattacharjee of Dohar . His passing is a big loss to Bengali music 1/2
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 7, 2017
Kalikaprasad's demise is a personal loss. He was a close friend. Condolences to his family and fans 2/2
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) March 7, 2017
Many singers, actors, directors across Bengal also condole the sudden death of the noted singer.
Expressing grief over Bhattacharya’s death, singer-music composer Shantanu Moitra said, “I wish this news you have given were not true. Kalika and I had been planning to do a collaborative music project and we were scheduled to meet very soon.”
Arindam Sil tweeted, “Kalikaprasad passed away in an accident near Bardhaman. Can’t accept this. R.I.P.”
Music composer Debojyoti Mishra said, “He was credited with infusing folk elements in new form in Bengali music and whenever I met him I was struck by his creative thinking.”
Actor Parambrata Chatterjee tweeted, “I have no words, no songs, no lyrics, no friend, no brother, Kalika da is no more.”
Amar bhasha nei, shikor nei, protibad nei, gaan nei, gaan er kotha Aar nei, bondhu nei, dada nei… kalika da nei.
— parambrata (@paramspeak) March 7, 2017
Actor Jishu Sengupta said, “I don’t believe you left…will miss u immensely Kalika da.”
Bhattacharya, a resident of South Kolkata, was on way to a school function in Birbhum district when the incident occurred at around 9:30 am.
