Rain fells tree branch, kills vintage car collector Ahmed Haji in Kodagu

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.
Rain fells tree branch, kills vintage car collector Ahmed Haji in Kodagu
Rain fells tree branch, kills vintage car collector Ahmed Haji in Kodagu
Written by:

S Mubarak

The heavy winds and rains in south Karnataka and parts of coastal Karnataka has claimed the life of a 68-year-old vintage car owner Ahmed Kutty Haji, on Saturday,

According to police officials at Siddhapura police station in Kodagu district,  Ahmed was doing rounds at his coffee estate 'Mubarak' at Nellihudikeri 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 Ahmed to Siddapur Primary health care, he was pronounced dead on arrival. According to sources close to the family, Ahmed's body will be taken to his native at Kanhirode in Kannur and the burial will take place by tonight.

A mechanic both by passion and profession, Ahmed 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. "Austin-Martin, Ford, Morris, Mercury and Standard Herald, all the cars were in mint and running condition. Besides, He also had a unique collection of bikes, Royal-bullock-carts, projector, clocks," Prasad, a local resident says.

While initially, Ahmed used to encourage educational tours from students of local schools and college, his popularity later drew visitors from all over the globe. "Ahmed curated a museum at Nellihudikeri. Car enthusiasts, film actors, politicians and foreign delegates would make make it a point to drop in at the museum to see these rare cars," Prasad adds.

However, despite his fame, Ahmed was know 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 Siddapura Muslim Jamath Committee for several years. Ahmed is survived by his wife and son Ahraf.

Meanwhile, heavy rains continued to lash Kodagu district and parts of coastal Karnataka for the second day in a row. Schools and colleges in neighboring Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts remained shut on Friday and Saturday as a precautionary measure.

The decision was taken by district authorities after the onset of monsoon brought life in Mangaluru to a grinding halt last week. Heavy rains inundated parts of the city while three persons were confirmed dead and extensive damage was reported as trees and electric poles were uprooted in several areas, damaging parked vehicles.

With inputs from StoryInfinity

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