Bhatkal: Ending a year-long vacancy in the post, the Karnataka government has appointed J. Mahesh (KAS Junior Scale) as the new Assistant Commissioner (AC) of the Bhatkal subdivision. He officially assumed charge by signing official files at the Assistant Commissioner’s office in Bhatkal.

The post had remained vacant since the transfer of former Assistant Commissioner Dr. Nayana last year. Following her transfer, additional charge of the Bhatkal subdivision had been assigned to Kumari Kavyarani, who was then serving as the Sub-Divisional Officer of Sirsi.

However, after Kavyarani’s recent transfer, the position once again fell vacant, prompting the administration to hand over interim charge to Praveen Karande, Tahsildar of Honnavar.

According to the state government’s transfer order, J. Mahesh has now been posted to Bhatkal and has formally taken over the responsibilities of the subdivision.

Prior to this appointment, Mahesh had served as Commissioner of the Urban Development Authority in Udupi, gaining administrative experience in urban governance and public administration.