Mangaluru :The chief priest B Venugopal Aithal of Shree Mangaladevi Temple has passed away following a brief illness at a private hospital in the city on June 11, Thursday. He was 49 years of age.

Aithal was the hereditary trustee of the temple and was appointed as chief priest this year. He was also a good cricket player and was active in several local organisations. Aithal is survived by his mother, two brothers and a sister.