KOZHIKODE: Nalakath Muhammed Koya Bakhavi, 85, the Chief Khasi of Kozhikode, died here on Thursday morning. He was undergoing treatment at a private hospital here for the past one week.
Muhammedkoya Bakhavi became the Chief Khasi after the death of his father Mamukoya Khasi in 1968. Since then, he was a prominent personality in the social and cultural life in the city.
As the Chief Khazi, Muhammad Koya stood for the unity of various Muslim organisations and was an acceptable figure for all the groups.
He is survived by wife Khadeejabi, sons M V Alikkoya, Abdullakkoya , daughters Fathima, Salma and Asma.
The burial was held at the Kuttichira Mishkal Mosque in the night.
People from various walks of life including Union Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed, Opposition Leader Oommen Chandy, IUML state general secretary P K Kunhalikutty, Janata Dal (S) state president M P Veerendra Kumar MP, NCP state president K Muraleedharan paid respect to Khasi at his residence.
Sunni leader Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musaliyar and Jama'at-e- Islami assistant Amir Sheikh Muhammad Karakkunnu also expressed condolence.