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The untimely death of 26-year-old probationary IPS officer Harsh Bardhan in a road accident has raised serious concerns about the safety of vehicles used by police forces in India. Bardhan, en route to his first posting in Hassan district, was traveling in a Mahindra Bolero when the vehicle reportedly suffered a tire burst. The incident caused the Bolero to veer off the road and collide with a tree, resulting in his death.
Police movements on road are always stressful . The tragic death of a young IPS Officer who was all set to start his career is last straw on camel’s back. Indian Police heavily relies on Mahindra Jeeps. Over the years, the Bolero has improved but terribly falls short of what an… pic.twitter.com/Y9Yo5OqXuL
— Bhaskar Rao (@Nimmabhaskar22)
Police movements on road are always stressful . The tragic death of a young IPS Officer who was all set to start his career is last straw on camel’s back. Indian Police heavily relies on Mahindra Jeeps. Over the years, the Bolero has improved but terribly falls short of what an… pic.twitter.com/Y9Yo5OqXuL
— Bhaskar Rao (@Nimmabhaskar22) December 2, 2024
">December 2, 2024
The tragic loss of the young officer prompted former Bengaluru police commissioner Bhaskar Rao to call for an investigation into the safety features of the Mahindra Bolero, a vehicle widely used by police and government officials. In a post on X, Rao urged Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra to have the accident professionally reviewed by the company’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) team.
Rao pointed out that junior officers often travel in vehicles lacking essential safety features such as airbags, seatbelt warnings, anti-collision systems, and adequate legroom. He criticized the poor ergonomic design, which includes metal protrusions and uncomfortable seating, leading to higher risks of injuries.
Also Read: Karnataka: Death of promising 26-year-old IPS officer Harsh Bardhan; a nip in the bud
Highlighting the urgent need for better-equipped emergency response vehicles, Rao emphasized the heavy reliance on Mahindra vehicles by Indian police forces and called for immediate reforms to prioritize officer safety.
The incident underscores the need for addressing safety standards in official vehicles to prevent future tragedies.
