A 26-year-old IPS officer named Harsh Bardhan died in a tragic road accident on Sunday while he was on his way to start his first job in Hassan district, Karnataka. Harsh, who was from Madhya Pradesh, had just finished his training and was assigned to work in Karnataka as part of the 2023 batch of IPS officers.

Accident's details and reaction

The accident happened when a tire of the police vehicle Harsh Bardhan was travelling in burst, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle crashed into a house and a tree by the side of the road. Harsh Bardhan suffered serious head injuries and passed away in the hospital, despite efforts to treat him. The driver had minor injuries but was not seriously hurt. Pictures from the scene showed that the police vehicle was severely damaged.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his deep sorrow over the incident. He wrote on X, "Saddened to hear about the death of probationary IPS officer Harsh Bardhan in a horrific accident near the Kittane border of the Hassan-Mysuru Highway. Sadly, 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 shared his condolences, calling it a "tragic loss." He posted, "India has lost a dedicated young officer in the making."

Harsh Bardhan had just finished a four-week training at the Karnataka Police Academy in Mysuru. He was traveling to Hassan to start his job as a probationary assistant superintendent of police in Holenarasipur when the accident happened. This accident is heartbreaking as a young officer, who worked hard to achieve his dream, lost his life just as he was about to begin his career.