Bengaluru Road Rage: A road rage incident involving former Uttara Kannada MP Anantkumar Hegde turned violent on Monday evening near Hale Nijagal, close to Nelamangala on the Bengaluru-Pune National Highway. A family travelling in a Toyota Innova alleged that Hegde and his aides assaulted them after a minor traffic altercation.

The incident occurred while the family, returning from a function, was driving towards Bengaluru. According to the complainant, Saif Khan of Vasantapura, the confrontation began when their vehicle did not give way to the Mahindra XUV700 in which Hegde and his entourage were travelling.

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Following a few honks and failed overtaking attempts, Hegde's vehicle reportedly blocked Khan’s car. Hegde’s driver Mahesh and gunman Sridhar then allegedly stepped out and attacked Saif and his brother. A woman in the Innova captured the confrontation on her phone, which showed the men being dragged out and beaten.

The Times Of India report cited Saif as stating that, the attackers slapped and punched them, causing injuries, including broken teeth. “They dragged us out of our vehicle and attacked us in front of the women,” he said. Two women from the family also claimed they were manhandled when they tried to stop the assault.

As the incident unfolded, the women shouted for help, attracting attention from bystanders and commuters. A crowd quickly gathered and in the commotion, Hegde’s driver tried to flee the scene. However, the women blocked the SUV and police patrol units soon arrived. Both parties were taken to the Dobbespet police station.

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Based on the complaint, Dobbespet police registered a case against Hegde, his driver Mahesh, gunman Sridhar and others. The FIR includes charges under IPC sections for causing hurt, wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation and assault on women. Police said the charges are bailable at the station level.

The TOI report cited officials as stating that, Sridhar had also brandished his licensed weapon during the incident. “As a gunman for a high-profile individual, I acted for protection,” he told officers. The former MP’s son was reportedly present but was not named in the complaint.

Police confirmed that all involved individuals were being questioned and further action would be based on evidence collected, including the video footage.