Kalaburagi, Nov 26: In a tragic road accident in Kalaburagi district, Karnataka, three people, including a senior IAS officer, were killed on Tuesday. The victims have been identified as Mahantesh Bilagi, the Managing Director of Karnataka State Minerals Corporation, his brother Shankara Bilagi, and their relative Iranna Shirasangi.

According to police reports, the incident occurred when the driver of the vehicle, an Innova car, attempted to avoid hitting a stray dog and lost control. The car spun off the road, leading to the deaths of the three occupants. The accident took place at Gownalli Cross in the Jewargi taluk of Kalaburagi district. Bilagi, 51, was en route from Vijayapura to Kalaburagi to attend a wedding when the tragedy struck.

While Mahantesh Bilagi succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, his brother Shankara and relative Iranna died at the scene. Authorities are still gathering further details regarding the accident.

Mahantesh Bilagi was a 2012 batch IAS officer from the Karnataka cadre. Prior to his role as the Managing Director of Karnataka State Minerals Corporation, Bilagi served as the Managing Director of the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Corporation (Bescom) and held several prominent positions, including Deputy Commissioner of Davanagere, Udupi, and other districts.

In response to the tragic news, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed his condolences, calling Bilagi's passing "extremely saddening." He described Bilagi as an efficient, people-oriented officer who had made significant contributions to the state. "His demise is an irreparable loss to society," Shivakumar said, offering his prayers for the deceased and strength for their families.

M.B. Patil, the State Minister for Large and Medium Industries, also mourned the loss, praising Bilagi for his honesty, efficiency, and inspirational leadership as a district commissioner. "His untimely passing is a great loss to the administrative system," Patil said, offering condolences to the family and those who worked with him.

State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra expressed his shock over the tragedy, acknowledging Bilagi's significant contributions to the state and extending his condolences to the grieving families.

This tragic accident has left the state in mourning as the community remembers the legacy of Mahantesh Bilagi, a respected leader known for his dedication to public service.