Former BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde has been named in an FIR for allegedly assaulting a Muslim family during a road rage incident on NH-48 near Nijagal, Tumakuru district. The incident reportedly involved physical attacks, caste-based slurs, and death threats, sparking serious concerns over communal abuse and misuse of power.
The FIR, filed on Monday evening at Dabaspet Police Station, is based on a complaint by Saif Khan, a resident of Haleanahalli, who stated that the attack took place around 4:30 PM on June 23 while he and his family were returning from a wedding in their Innova Crysta.
According to the complaint, the family’s vehicle was intercepted by a white XUV700 with three men. One of them allegedly claimed he was “from the department” and forced their vehicle off the road. The complainant alleges that a gunman assaulted him, while another man dragged his brother Salman Khan out of the car and hit him, breaking three of his teeth.
Also Read: Hyderabad road rage: Elderly pedestrian killed in attack by biker
The third attacker, Saif alleges, was Anantkumar Hegde, who reportedly shouted, “They’re from the Sab group, hit them!”—a statement that reportedly used a derogatory term for Muslims. The FIR further claims that caste-based and communal slurs were used, including the phrase “low sabru caste.”
The complaint states that when Saif’s mother, Gul Unnisa, tried to intervene, Hegde allegedly grabbed her by the neck, hit her on the head, and threw her to the ground. Another relative, Ilyas Khan, was also reportedly beaten, leaving him with broken teeth and bleeding injuries. The gunman allegedly threatened to shoot the family while brandishing a pistol.
The injured family members were taken to Dabaspet Government Hospital, where police recorded Saif Khan’s statement in the presence of doctors. The FIR has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), naming Anantkumar Hegde as Accused No. 1 (A1), while his gunman and driver are listed as A2 and A3.
Video footage of the incident has reportedly surfaced, and investigations are ongoing. Authorities say further action will depend on the evidence gathered.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, commenting on the matter, acknowledged the incident and said initial police reports suggest that the altercation started after another vehicle overtook Hegde’s car. He stated that the gunman and driver assaulted the victims, but Hegde’s direct involvement is yet to be confirmed and will be clarified through the ongoing investigation.
(This story is sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Raavi Media takes no responsibility or liability of any nature. Raavi Media management/ythisnews.com can alter or delete the content without notice for any reason.)