The deceased have been identified as Kundapur division Excise Officer Dinesh Kumar (46) and jeep driver N H Bhandary (54). The jeep was mangled beyond recognition due to the impact of the collision. The front portion of the bus too has been damaged.
It is learnt that the excise officials were returning after patrolling in the night from Shiroor. They had dropped Ravindra Pai, the other exciseofficial who had accompanied them, at Saligrama. The bus was bound to Dharmasthala from Hubli.
A case has been registered.
Gold stolen
Some unidentified miscreants gained entry into the office room belonging to Sri Raghavendra Mutt at Kallare in Puttur taluk and decamped with gold and silver ornaments worth Rs 2,00, 000.
A case has been registered.