Periyapatna: A retired Forest Department employee was killed when a goods vehicle collided head-on with his bike near Apatur Gate yesterday.

The deceased is Basavaraju (65), a resident of Boodhitittu village in the taluk.

Yesterday afternoon, Basavaraju was proceeding on his bike from Periyapatna side towards Boodhitittu village when watermelon laden a goods vehicle (KA-45-A-5306), which was proceeding from Gonikoppa  towards Periyapatna, collided head-on with the bike leaving Basavaraju with serious injuries to his right leg and head. He was immediately rushed to the Periyapatna General Hospital, where he succumbed to injuries.

Basavaraju leaves behind his wife, son Ravichandra (President of Taluk Journalists Association and Member of Chowthi Gram Panchayat) and a host of relatives and friends.

Post-mortem was conducted yesterday evening and the body was handed over to the family members.

Last rites were held at the village this afternoon.

Periyapatna Police, who have registered a case in this regard, are investigating.