In a tragic incident that has shocked the state, senior IAS officer Mahantesh Bilagi was killed in a car accident on Tuesday. The 50-year-old Managing Director of the Karnataka State Mineral Corporation Limited (KSMCL) was on his way to a family wedding when his car crashed in Jewargi taluk, resulting in his death and that of two relatives. It is a devastating loss for both his family and the state administration.
What Exactly Happened in the Accident?
The fatal crash occurred near Gaunalli cross on Tuesday evening. A group of five people, including Bilagi, were on their way from Belagavi to Bidar to attend a relative’s wedding. What caused the journey to end in tragedy? According to reports, the driver lost control of the vehicle. The car subsequently hit a bridge on the highway and overturned. The injured were rushed to a hospital, but Bilagi succumbed to his injuries soon after arrival. A case has been registered at the Jewargi Police Station to investigate the precise circumstances of the crash.
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Who Was IAS Officer Mahantesh Bilagi?
Mahantesh Bilagi, a 2012-batch Karnataka cadre IAS officer known for his hard work and competence, was serving as the head of the Karnataka State Minerals Corporation Limited at the time of his death. But what was his journey to this position? His career was marked by significant postings that showcased his administrative capabilities. Earlier, he led BESCOM as its Managing Director. His field experience came from serving as Deputy Commissioner of Davangere and Assistant Commissioner of Dharwad.
How Did the Leadership React to the Loss?
News of Bilagi’s sudden death brought quick and sincere condolences from top state leaders. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah mourned his loss and praised his honest service. “He had rendered honest service as the Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Panchayats in several districts and as a District Collector. Mahantesh had left his mark of efficiency everywhere he carried out his duties,” the CM stated. Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar echoed these sentiments, calling Bilagi an “efficient officer, who was renowned for his public service initiatives.” He described the officer’s passing as an “irreplaceable loss to society.”
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Another Accident on the Same Day?
In an unrelated incident on the same day, a government bus overturned in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district. The bus, travelling from Raichur to Karwar, met with the accident near Navami Hotel at Vajralli on National Highway-63. This accident resulted in injuries to 20 passengers. The injured were taken to the Ankola Government Hospital, with reports indicating that two of the passengers were in a critical condition. This separate event underscored a tragic day for road safety in the state.
