BELAGAVI: Senior IAS officer and Managing Director of Karnataka State Mineral Corporation, Mahantesh Bilagi, was laid to rest with full government honours at his farm house in Ramadurga on Wednesday. Mahantesh Bilagi, his relativevs Shankar Bilagi and Veeranna Basappa Bilagi died in a road accident on Tuesday night.
On Wednesday morning, the body was taken to Ramadurga’s Navi Peth where family members, friends, and officials gathered to pay their last respects. The funeral procession was held at Panchgatti Math school grounds, with a massive turnout of officials, family members, and public. The body was kept for public viewing until 3 pm, and thousands of people came to pay their respects.
The funeral was conducted with state honors, with a 21-gun salute and other formalities. The bodies were cremated at Halgatti farmhouse, with Mahantesh Bilagi’s body being cremated first, followed by his brothers. The cremation was attended by family members, officials, and public.
The funeral procession was led by Regional Commissioner Janaki K M, IPS officer Ravi Chennannavar, and other senior officials. Belagavi SP Bhimashankar Guled, and other senior officials also paid their respects. The procession was attended by thousands of people, all paying their respects to the departed soul.
Mahantesh Bilagi, a resident of Ramadurga in Belagavi district, was a well-respected officer. Shankar Bilagi was a father of twin babies, just a month old. Mahantesh was known for his dedication and service. He was a simple and humble person who worked tirelessly for the public good. He was a teacher by profession and had a strong sense of social responsibility, those close to him recalled.
Regional Commissioner Janaki recalled Mahantesh Bilagi’s humility and dedication, saying he was an inspiration to many. She remembered him as a batchmate and a close friend. The accident has left the community in shock, and tributes are pouring in from all quarters. The government had earlier announced a state funeral for the deceased officer.
