TRAGIC! Newly appointed IPS officer, on his way to take up first posting, dies in accident in Karnataka

Bengaluru: A 26-year-old IPS officer, Harsh Bardhan, lost his life in a road accident in Hassan district here on Sunday evening, police said.

Bardhan, a probationary Assistant Superintendent of Police, was enroute to take up his first posting in Holenarasipur when the accident occurred.

According to police, the vehicle Bardhan was travelling in suffered a tyre burst near Kittane in Hassan taluk, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle crashed into a house and a tree, and Bardhan, who sustained severe head injuries, succumbed to his wounds at the hospital. The driver, Manjegowda, sustained minor injuries.

Bardhan, originally from Madhya Pradesh, had recently completed his four-week training at the Karnataka Police Academy in Mysuru. His father is a sub-divisional magistrate. His untimely death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the state.

On Monday, Karnataka BJP President Vijayendra Yediyurappa, expressed his deep sorrow, calling it an "unfortunate incident." He said, "It is a tragic loss that Harsh Bardhan, a probationary IPS officer from Bihar who was selected for the Karnataka cadre, was seriously injured in a road accident on his way to Hassan and died without receiving treatment."

Vijayendra continued, "Getting selected for the IPS post is no easy feat. Harsh Bardhan’s hard work, family sacrifices, and the encouragement behind his success cannot be forgotten. It is extremely painful that an officer with the potential to make a significant contribution to the service of the nation has been lost in such a brutal manner."

The BJP leader also extended his condolences to Bardhan’s family, saying, "May God bless the family of Harsh Bardhan with the strength to bear the grief of this tragic loss. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti."

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also offered condolences, describing the incident as deeply saddening and extended his prayers to the family.

"Saddened by the death of probationary IPS officer Harsh Bardhan in a tragic accident near Kittane. It is heartbreaking that such an incident occurred just as he was set to begin his service," Siddaramaiah said in an X post.