Senior IAS Officer Mahantesh Bilagi Dies in Tragic Road Accident
Karnataka State Mineral Corporation Limited (KSMCL) managing director Mahantesh Bilagi, a respected 50-year-old IAS officer, met with a fatal car accident on Tuesday evening. The tragic incident occurred in Jewargi taluk near Gaunalli cross, claiming the lives of three people including the prominent bureaucrat.
Details of the Fatal Accident
The accident took place around 6 pm on Tuesday when Bilagi was traveling from Belagavi to Bidar with four companions to attend a relative's wedding. According to police reports, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which subsequently overturned and hit a bridge alongside the highway.
Two other individuals traveling with Bilagi—identified as his relatives Shankar (52) and Iranna—also died in the crash. The injured passengers were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Bilagi was himself taken to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Local authorities have registered a case at the Jewargi Police Station and are investigating the exact cause of the accident.
Distinguished Career of Mahantesh Bilagi
Mahantesh Bilagi had an illustrious career in the Indian Administrative Service, having served in several key positions across Karnataka. Prior to his role as KSMCL managing director, he served as the managing director of Bangalore Electric Supply Company Limited (BESCOM).
During his distinguished career, Bilagi also held the positions of Davangere Deputy Commissioner and Dharwad assistant commissioner. His service record includes working as Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Panchayats in multiple districts and as a District Collector.
Political Leaders Mourn the Loss
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow over Bilagi's untimely demise, stating: "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."
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar described Bilagi as an "efficient officer, who was renowned for his public service initiatives," adding that his passing represents an "irreplaceable loss to society."
Separate Bus Accident in Uttara Kannada
In an unrelated incident on the same day, a government bus overturned in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district, resulting in injuries to 20 passengers. The accident occurred near Navami Hotel at Vajralli on National Highway-63 while the bus was en route from Raichur to Karwar via Yellapur.
All injured passengers were transported to Ankola Government Hospital for treatment, with two reported to be in critical condition. Police are investigating the cause of this separate accident that has added to the state's road safety concerns.
