Managing Director of Karnataka State Mineral Corporation Limited (KSMCL), IAS officer Mahantesh Bilagi, died in a car accident on Monday.
According to a Deccan Herald report, a 50-year-old bureaucrat’s car overturned near Gaunalli Cross in Karnataka’s Jewargi taluk on Tuesday.
Two other individuals, Bilagi’s relatives, 52-year-old Shankar and Iranna, also died in the accident.
Bilagi was the Managing Director of Bangalore Electric Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) prior to his placement at KSMCL. During his career, he also worked as Deputy Commissioner Davangere and Assistant Commissioner Dharwad, the publication said.
The incident took place around 6 pm on Tuesday when a group of five were driving from Belagavi to Bidar to attend a relative’s wedding. The driver lost control, which ended up crashing into a bridge along the highway. The injured were taken to hospital.
Bilagi himself was taken to hospital but died soon after. A case has been registered in this regard at Jewargi Police Station.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condoled the death of the IAS officer and said, “He rendered honorable service as CEO of Zilla Panchayats in several districts and as District Collector. Mahantesh left his mark of efficiency wherever he performed his duties.”
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said Bilagi was “an efficient officer who was renowned for his public service initiatives”, adding that his departure was an “irreplaceable loss to society”.
The bus overturns
In another unrelated incident, a government bus overturned in Karnataka on Tuesday, injuring 20 passengers.
According to police, the incident took place in Uttara Kannada district.
The bus was on its way from Raichur towards Karwar via Yellapur on National Highway-63. The incident took place at the Navami Bear Hotel in Vajralli.
The injured were taken to the government hospital in Ankola.
Two passengers are in critical condition.
