IAS officer Mahantesh Bilagi, 2 others die in Kalaburagi road accident

KALABURAGI: Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and Managing Director of Karnataka State Minerals Corporation Limited (KSMCL), Mahantesh Bilagi, along with two others, died in a car accident near Gounahalli in Jewargi taluk, Kalaburagi district, on Tuesday, police officials said on Wednesday.

The accident occurred when Mahantesh Bilagi was travelling from Vijayapura to Kalaburagi in an Toyota Innova car. The Jewargi police have registered a case and taken up further investigation. Mahantesh Bilagi was rushed to a private hospital in Kalaburagi with injuries, but did not survive.

Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre condoled the demise of the IAS officer, praising his loyalty, hard work and pro-people governance. “The news of the tragic demise of IAS officer Shri Mahantesh Bilagi has deeply saddened me. The loyalty, hard work and pro-people governance he displayed while serving as the CEO of Zilla Panchayat in Bidar district remain an unforgettable memory in the minds of the people”, he said in an official statement.

The changes he brought in the areas of development, education, health, rural development and transparent governance of Bidar district are highly commendable, the statement added. Terming his demise an irreparable loss to the administration and the people of the district, the Minister wished for strength for the grieving family.

The minister’s statement said, “The service he rendered to society will always be remembered. His departure is an irreparable loss to the administration and the people of the district. May God grant peace to his soul. May God grant strength and patience to the bereaved family.” (ANI)