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Madikeri, Jun 10: The heavy winds and rains in south Karnataka and parts of coastal Karnataka claimed the life of a 68-year-old vintage car owner and Congress leader P C Ahmed Kutty Haji on Saturday June 9. According to the Siddhapura police, Haji was doing the rounds at his coffee estate 'Mubarak' at Nellihudikeri at Somawarapet taluk, when at around 11 am, a tree branch fell over his head and killed him instantly.
Police sources added that while the plantation workers tried to rush Haji to Siddhapura primary health centre, he was pronounced dead on arrival. According to the sources close to the family, Haji's body will be taken to his native at Kanhirode in Kannur for burial.
A mechanic both by passion and profession, Haji is known to have a collection of over 100 vintage cars dating back to the British era, majority of which he inherited from his father who had a passion for motor-cars. "Aston-Martin, Ford, Morris, Mercury and Standard Herald, all the cars were in mint and running condition. Besides, Haji also had unique collection of bikes, Royal-bullock-cart, projector, clocks," Prasad, a local resident says.
While initially, Haji used to encourage educational tours to student of local schools and college, his popularity later drew visitors from all over the globe. "It was to accommodate the footfall, Haji curated a museum at Nellihudikeri. Car enthusiast, film actors, politicians and foreign delegates would beeline and make it a point to drop in at this museum to see these rare cars," Prasad adds.
However, despite his fame, Haji was known to be a grounded person and a loyal Congress worker who carried out social service.
He is the brother of PC Asainar Haji, the vice-president of Karnataka Congress Minority Committee. Ahmed was an active Congress worker and worked as vice-president of Siddhapura Muslim Jamath committee for several years. Haji is survived by his wife and son Ahraf.
Kodagu deputy commissioner PI Sreevidya has announced Rs 5 lakh compensation to Ahmed Haji’s family.