Young IPS Officer Harsh Bardhan Tragically Dies in Road Accident En Route to First Posting

A promising young IPS officer, Harsh Bardhan, tragically lost his life in a road accident on Sunday while traveling to his first posting in Hassan district, Karnataka. The 26-year-old officer, a 2023-batch inductee of the Karnataka cadre, had recently completed his training and was on his way to assume the role of Assistant Superintendent of Police in Holenarasipur.

The accident occurred near the Kittane border on the Hassan-Mysuru Highway when a tyre of the police vehicle Bardhan was traveling in allegedly burst, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle veered off the road, crashing into a house and a tree. Bardhan suffered severe head injuries and, despite being rushed to a hospital, succumbed to his injuries. The driver sustained minor injuries.

Visuals from the crash site revealed the mangled remains of the police vehicle, underscoring the impact of the collision.

Tributes and Condolences

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his deep sorrow, calling the incident “deeply saddening.” In his statement, he said, “It is very sad 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 paying off. I pray to God that Harsh Bardhan’s soul rests in peace. My condolences to the family.”

Former Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda also expressed his grief, describing Bardhan’s untimely demise as a “tragic loss” and stating that “India has lost a dedicated young officer in the making.”

A Promising Career Cut Short

Harsh Bardhan had recently completed a four-week training program at the Karnataka Police Academy in Mysuru. Known for his dedication and potential, he was eagerly looking forward to beginning his career in public service. His untimely death has left the police force and his community in mourning.

The tragic accident serves as a grim reminder of road safety challenges and has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the nation. An investigation into the cause of the tyre burst and subsequent accident is underway.