The newly elected Deputy Mayor of Bengaluru’s Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Ramila Umashankar, passed away in Bengaluru on Friday morning. She was 44 years old and died reportedly of cardiac arrest at a private hospital in the city.
Offering his condolences, the Chief Minister of Karnataka HD Kumaraswamy said, “Deeply saddened to hear of the demise of Deputy Mayor Rameela Umashankar. She had actively participated with us at the Namma Metro flagging off event just yesterday. She was a dedicated social worker and committed party worker. It's shocking to learn that she is no more with us.”
Deeply saddened to hear of the demise of Deputy Mayor Rameela Umashankar.She had actively participated with us at the Namma Metro flagging off event just yesterday. She was a dedicated social worker and committed party worker. It's shocking to learn that she is no more with us.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) October 5, 2018
"She had uneasiness and had breathing difficulties. She was rushed to Chord Road Hospital by her family members and she breathed her last on the way," a source close to the family told DeccanHerald.
She had participated in Namma Metro inauguration on Thursday where the CM Kumaraswamy flagged off a six car metro from Majestic.
My heartfelt condolences to her family. May her soul rest in peace. Pray the Almighty gives courage and strength to the family to bear this loss.#RameelaUmashankar #RIP
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) October 5, 2018
Ramila was elected as Deputy Mayor of the BBMP on September 28 along with Gangambike Mallikarjun who was elected as the Mayor, it was for the first time that Bengaluru had women occupying both positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
BBMP Mayor Gangambike has expressed her shock at her sudden demise. All BBMP offices (except emergency services) will remain closed on Friday as a mark of respect.
Ramila was a JD(S) corporator from the Kaveripura ward. She is survived by her husband and two children.
A holiday has been declared on Friday in all BBMP offices except essential services like hospitals and markets.