This is So Sad! 26 Year Old IPS Officer Dies in Accident while going for First Posting in Karnataka
Bengaluru: In a tragic incident, 26-year-old Harsh Bardhan, a young and promising IPS officer of the 2023 batch, lost his life in a road accident on Sunday while traveling to assume his first posting in Hassan district, Karnataka. Bardhan, a native of Madhya Pradesh, had recently completed his training and was set to take charge as the probationary Assistant Superintendent of Police in Holenarasipur.
The accident occurred near the Kittane border on the Hassan-Mysuru Highway. Reports indicate that the police vehicle Bardhan was traveling in suffered a tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle veered off the road, crashing into a house and a tree. Bardhan sustained critical head injuries and was rushed to a hospital for treatment. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the vehicle escaped with minor injuries.
Scene of the Accident
Visuals from the accident site depicted a horrifying aftermath, with the police vehicle heavily mangled due to the impact of the collision. The crash not only claimed a promising officer’s life but also highlighted the risks involved in road travel under challenging conditions.
Condolences from Leaders
The tragic news sent shockwaves across the state, with tributes pouring in from leaders and officials. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his condolences, describing the incident as deeply unfortunate. “Saddened to hear about the death of probationary IPS officer Harsh Bardhan in a horrific accident near the Kittane border. It is very unfortunate that such an accident happened while he was on his way to take charge as an IPS officer. This should not have happened when years of hard work were just beginning to bear fruit,” Siddaramaiah wrote on X in Kannada.
He added, “I pray for Harsh Bardhan’s soul to rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to his grieving family during this difficult time.”
Former Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda also mourned the loss, terming it a significant tragedy. “India has lost a dedicated young officer in the making,” Gowda posted on X, adding that Bardhan’s untimely death is a setback to the police force and the nation.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Police officials confirmed that Harsh Bardhan had recently completed a rigorous four-week training program at the Karnataka Police Academy in Mysuru. He was traveling to Hassan to formally report for duty when the accident occurred. Bardhan’s dedication and hard work during training had been widely recognized, making his loss all the more heartbreaking.
A Nation in Mourning
The untimely death of a young and vibrant officer has left his family, colleagues, and the community in mourning. The incident serves as a somber reminder of life’s unpredictability and the importance of road safety. Bardhan’s dedication to his duty and service to the nation will be remembered as an inspiration to many aspiring civil servants.
As tributes continue to pour in, the police force and state government are offering support to Bardhan’s family during this time of profound loss.
