A Tragic Loss: Remembering Rajesh Poojary and the Call for Safer Roads
On a seemingly normal morning in Trasi, Karnataka, tragedy struck the community of Kundapur with the sudden and untimely death of 26-year-old photographer Rajesh Poojary. Known for his gentle demeanor and artistic talent behind the lens, Rajesh’s life was cut short in a devastating road accident on November 1, 2016, when his motorcycle collided with a tipper truck near a petrol pump along National Highway 66 (NH66).
The Accident
Rajesh was on his way to Kundapur when the accident occurred. Eyewitnesses and police reports confirmed that a tipper truck entered the highway abruptly from a bypass road, giving Rajesh no time to react. The impact of the collision was so severe that Rajesh died on the spot from major head injuries, even before medical help could arrive. His helmet reportedly dislodged during the impact, a grim reminder of how even safety precautions can sometimes fall short in the face of reckless road behavior.
The Gangolli police promptly registered a case of rash and negligent driving against the tipper truck driver. However, for Rajesh’s grieving family and the shocked residents of Kundapur, no legal proceedings can fill the void left by the young photographer’s death. about Rajesh poojary Death
A Life Full of Dreams
Rajesh Poojary wasn’t just another young man on the road—he was a talented photographer with a promising future. He hailed from Kundeshwar, a quiet locality near the Kundeshwar Temple in Kundapur. Rajesh was widely admired for his skill in capturing cultural events, weddings, and candid street moments. His photographs spoke volumes and often found their way into local newspapers and social media, where they were met with appreciation and praise.
Friends and clients remember him as polite, humble, and passionate. He was often seen at local festivals, camera in hand, blending into crowds with ease and capturing emotions that many overlooked. His ability to tell stories through pictures made him a cherished presence at many celebrations and events.
He is survived by his father, mother, and two younger sisters. For them, the pain is not just of losing a family member but of losing their strongest support system and a dreamer who carried the hopes of many.
A Wake-Up Call for Road Safety
What makes Rajesh’s death even more tragic is the location where it occurred—NH66, a stretch of road that has earned a notorious reputation for its poor design, haphazard construction, and rising number of accidents. The Trasi-Kundapur-Mangalore belt has long been under scrutiny for inadequate signage, dangerous bypasses, and sudden vehicle entries from unmarked roads.
Local residents have been voicing their concerns for years, and Rajesh’s death is just one of many caused by the ongoing neglect of basic road safety. Activists and residents are demanding swift action from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and local civic bodies to complete unfinished work and enforce stricter vehicle movement regulations.
“This is not the first time we are seeing a young life lost due to poor planning and careless driving,” said one resident during a candlelight vigil held in Rajesh’s memory. “But how many more have to die before someone takes responsibility?” about Rajesh poojary Death
Community Grief and Solidarity
In the days following the accident, social media was flooded with tributes, photos, and messages mourning Rajesh’s death. Fellow photographers, friends, and even strangers shared their condolences and demanded justice. A few prominent local organizations also planned memorial events and photo exhibitions featuring Rajesh’s work as a way to honor his artistic legacy.
His sudden death has not only shaken the people of Kundapur but has also united them in a collective call for accountability. It has reignited discussions around road infrastructure, driver education, and the value of young lives often lost to careless behavior and institutional apathy.
The Road Ahead
While nothing can undo the sorrow of Rajesh’s family, his death must serve as a wake-up call for systemic change. Road safety in India remains a pressing issue, with thousands of people losing their lives every year due to poor infrastructure and negligent driving. Rajesh Poojary’s story is one among many, but it stands out because of the sheer waste of potential and the pain of a community that has lost one of its brightest stars.
Let his memory remind us of the importance of being vigilant—both on the roads and in demanding better systems. If Rajesh’s story can save even one life by pushing for better safety protocols, it may bring a sliver of solace to those left behind.
In loving memory of Rajesh Poojary — a friend, artist, and soul taken too soon.