Virajpet: K.B. Harshavardhan (45), Vice-President of Virajpet Town Panchayat and a prominent BJP leader of Kodagu district, passed away following a heart attack on Monday morning.

Harshavardhan, who suffered a heart attack, was immediately rushed to a hospital in Virajpet, where he breathed his last.

Harshavardhan was elected from Meenpet Ward in the Town Panchayat. He leaves behind his mother, wife Divya, two children and a host of relatives and friends.

Harshavardhan had also served as the President of Kodagu District Hindu Malayali Association. 

  Virajpet TP Office, shops and other business establishments in the town  were shut for two hours in the afternoon as a mark of respect for the departed leader.

Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah and a host of other BJP leaders were among those who paid their last respects. Last rites were performed yesterday evening, according to sources.