Bengaluru, December 2024 — A probationary IPS officer from Madhya Pradesh tragically lost his life in a road accident in Hassan district, Karnataka, on Sunday. The deceased officer has been identified as Harsh Bardhan, who was serving as a probationary officer in the district. He was returning to report for duty in Hassan after completing his training at the Karnataka Police Academy in Mysuru.
According to the police, Bardhan, who was all set to take charge as the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) in Hassan city on Monday, was traveling in a government vehicle when the accident occurred. The vehicle, which was attached to the District Armed Reserve, was en route from Mysore to Hassan city when the tyres burst near Kittanegadi village, located just outside Hassan city.
The sudden burst caused the vehicle to overturn and roll, leading to severe head injuries for the 25-year-old officer. Bardhan succumbed to his injuries shortly after being rushed to the hospital by local residents who had promptly called for an ambulance.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Manje Gowda, also sustained injuries in the accident but is reported to be in stable condition. The vehicle was traveling from Holenarasipura town to Hassan city when the tragic incident occurred.
Harsh Bardhan had completed his engineering degree and was part of the 2022-23 Karnataka cadre of IPS officers. He had ranked 153rd in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, clearing the exam in his very first attempt. Bardhan’s family resides in Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh.
His sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the local police department. Hassan Superintendent of Police Mohammed Sujeetha and Assistant Superintendent of Police Venkatesh Naidu visited the hospital to offer condolences and gather details about the incident. Inspector General of Police (Central Range) Boralingaiah also paid his respects to the officer and met with authorities to discuss the accident.
The incident has left the police department and the local community in mourning, as Harsh Bardhan was seen as a promising officer with a bright future ahead. Authorities have initiated a probe into the cause of the accident, though the initial investigations point to the tyre burst as the primary cause.