Mangaluru: In a heartbreaking incident, a prominent fruit trader from Taudugoli near Narigana passed away after suffering a heart attack while on pilgrimage to the Ajmer Dargah on Friday.
The deceased has been identified as Shekhabdulla (60), a well-known lime fruit merchant at Kallapu Global Market in Mangaluru and a resident of Taudugoli, located along the Narigana–Varkady border.
As per reports, Shekhabdulla had set out for Ajmer three days ago with a group of friends from Mangaluru. On Friday, soon after offering prayers at the Dargah, he complained of chest pain. Despite efforts to rush him to medical care, he collapsed and breathed his last on the way to the hospital.
A veteran in the fruit business, Shekhabdulla had been actively trading for more than 40 years. He was known for his regular visits to Ajmer, which he considered an important part of his faith. Interestingly, he had survived a heart attack during a similar pilgrimage two years ago, after receiving timely treatment both in Ajmer and later in Mangaluru.
The trader’s personal life had also seen sorrow—his wife passed away two years ago. Yet, friends recall him as a man of resilience, who chose to mask his grief by immersing himself in devotion, work, and service to the community.
His mortal remains were transported from Ajmer by ambulance on Friday and are expected to reach Taudugoli by Saturday midnight. The funeral will be held at the local mosque burial ground.
Shekhabdulla leaves behind two sons and a daughter.