A road rage episode on National Highway 48 near Nelamangala has led to serious criminal charges against former BJP MP and Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde. The incident, which occurred on Monday, involved a violent confrontation between Hegde’s security staff and a local businessman’s family.

The conflict reportedly began when Saif Khan, a 28-year-old resident of Haleanahalli, was driving with his family after attending a wedding in Tumakuru. While overtaking vehicles on their way back, Khan’s Toyota Innova allegedly passed a white SUV multiple times. The SUV, carrying Hegde and his staff, began honking aggressively, demanding right of way. When Khan did not pull over, the situation escalated.

As the two vehicles approached Hale Nijagal, individuals from the SUV—allegedly Hegde’s gunman and driver—forced Khan’s vehicle to stop. According to the police complaint, both men exited their car and physically assaulted Khan. The businessman was reportedly dragged out and beaten, resulting in serious facial injuries, including multiple broken teeth.

The violence didn’t end there. Khan alleged that his brother Salman Khan and uncle Ilyas Khan were also attacked. Salman reportedly suffered dental injuries, while Ilyas sustained bleeding wounds. Khan’s mother, Gul Unnisa, was allegedly assaulted after questioning the attackers. She was reportedly pulled by the neck and struck in the head.

What has intensified the controversy is the allegation that Hegde himself encouraged the assault. According to Khan’s statement, Hegde shouted, “They’re from the Sab group, hit them!”—a reference using the derogatory term “Sabru,” often used for Muslims in Karnataka. Khan also claimed that the gunman pointed a firearm at the family and issued death threats.

The Dobbspet police were called to the scene by bystanders and family members who intervened during the attack. The gunman and the driver were taken into custody immediately. Hegde, however, was not arrested on the spot. He was later named as Accused No. 1 in the case, following pressure from the victim’s family.

Authorities confirmed that an FIR had been filed under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including:

• Section 117 (causing grievous hurt),

• Section 126 (wrongful restraint),

• Section 74 (assault on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty),

• Section 351(4) (criminal intimidation),

• Section 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace).

Accused Questioned for the Incident

By Monday night, Hegde and his aides were being questioned at the Nelamangala Deputy SP’s office. According to Bengaluru Rural SP C K Baba, the FIR names a total of seven individuals. Baba confirmed the victim’s dental injuries and stated that a deeper investigation was underway.

A video reportedly recorded by onlookers during the incident has surfaced and is being reviewed by investigators. Whether it supports or contradicts the complainant’s allegations is yet to be officially confirmed.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara addressed the issue on record, saying, “The police have informed me that Anant Kumar Hegde himself did not assault anyone. The investigation is underway and appropriate action will be taken. Whether or not Hegde was involved will be determined through the probe.”