Former BJP MP from Karnataka, Anantkumar Hegde, has been booked for allegedly attacking a Muslim family during a road rage incident that allegedly involved physical assault, caste-based abuse, and death threats.
A FIR was registered on Monday evening at The Dabaspet police station in Tumakuru, based on a complaint filed by Saif Khan, a resident of Haleanahalli.
According to the FIR, the incident occurred on Monday, June 23, around 4.30 pm, when Saif and his family were returning from a wedding in Tumakuru in an Innova Crysta. Near Nijagal on NH-48, their vehicle was allegedly intercepted by a white XUV700 with three men inside. One of them reportedly shouted, “I’m from the department,” and forced their car to the side of the road.
The complaint alleges that one of the men, identifying himself as a gunman, physically assaulted Saif. Another man dragged his brother Salman Khan out of the car and attacked him, resulting in three broken teeth. Saif identified the third assailant as Anantkumar Hegde and alleged that Hegde instigated the attack, saying, “They’re from the Sab group, hit them!” The term “Sabru”, as noted in the complaint, is a derogatory slang used for Muslims in Karnataka. The FIR noted that caste-based slurs such as “low sabru caste” and abusive language were used during the assault.
The complainant stated that when his mother, Gul Unnisa, questioned the attackers, Hegde allegedly grabbed her by the neck, pulled her by her clothes, hit her on the head, and threw her to the ground. Saif’s uncle, Ilyas Khan, was also reportedly assaulted by Hegde, leaving him with broken teeth and bleeding injuries.
The gunman allegedly brandished a pistol and threatened to shoot the family.
The victims were taken to the Dabaspet Government Hospital with serious injuries. Saif Khan’s statement was recorded at the hospital in the presence of doctors before being taken to the police station.
Dabaspet Police have filed the FIR under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Hegde has been named as Accused No. 1 (A1), with his gunman and driver listed as A2 and A3, respectively.
Video footage of the incident has reportedly surfaced, and further action is expected based on the evidence collected. Police say investigations are ongoing.
Speaking about the incident, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said the altercation started after another vehicle overtook Hegde’s car. In response, Hegde’s gunman and driver stopped the car and assaulted the person.
He added, “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.”
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