Ex-Lokayukta Santosh Hegde collapses at Bengaluru event, hospitalised; condition stable

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Apr 4, 2026: Former Karnataka Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde collapsed during a public event in the city on Friday and was admitted to a private hospital.

The 85-year-old former Supreme Court judge fell ill while attending a felicitation programme for former minister P G R Sindhia, organised by the Bharat Scouts and Guides at Kondajji Basappa Auditorium.

According to Dr Ramesh Babu, who provided initial treatment at the venue, Hegde appeared fatigued while delivering his speech. “After speaking for a while, he sat down, felt dizzy, vomited, and collapsed. Those present gave him water, but there was no improvement,” he said.

Hegde was later rushed to a private hospital in the official vehicle of Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader, who said he was given first aid before being shifted.

Doctors suspect that Hegde, who is diabetic, may have experienced a sudden drop in blood sugar levels.

He is currently undergoing treatment at Manipal Hospital and is said to be recovering.

In a medical bulletin, the hospital stated that Justice N Santosh Hegde is under observation in the emergency room at Manipal Hospital, Millers Road, under ER consultant Dr Harshitha, and is stable. He is likely to be discharged soon.