TUMAKURU, KARNATAKA – JUNE 23: A First Information Report (FIR) has been officially registered against former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament, Anantkumar Hegde, in connection with a violent road rage incident involving a Muslim family near Nijagal on National Highway 48.
The complaint, filed by Haleanahalli resident Saif Khan, accuses Hegde and two others of initiating an unprovoked attack on his family around 4:30 PM on Monday. According to Khan, their vehicle was intercepted by a white Mahindra XUV700 while returning from a wedding in Tumakuru. The occupants of the SUV, allegedly led by Hegde, forcibly halted the family’s Innova Crysta on the highway.
One of the men, claiming to be a government gunman, reportedly began assaulting Saif. Simultaneously, Saif’s brother, Salman Khan, was pulled out and beaten, resulting in multiple injuries, including broken teeth. Saif further alleged that Hegde incited the violence, shouting slurs and calling the family members “Sabru” — a derogatory term targeting Muslims in Karnataka.
During the altercation, Saif’s mother, Gul Unnisa, was allegedly manhandled. The complaint accuses Hegde of grabbing her by the neck, pulling her clothes, hitting her on the head, and forcefully throwing her to the ground. Saif’s uncle, Ilyas Khan, was also assaulted, suffering facial injuries and bleeding.
The FIR additionally claims that a pistol was brandished by one of the men, with threats of gun violence made against the family.
The injured were rushed to the Dabaspet Government Hospital. Saif Khan’s official statement was recorded under medical supervision before he approached the police to lodge the complaint.
Based on the FIR, the Dabaspet Police have invoked multiple provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Hegde is listed as Accused No. 1 (A1), followed by his alleged gunman and driver as A2 and A3, respectively.
Footage Emerges as Police Investigate
Investigators have confirmed that video recordings of the incident have surfaced and are being examined. The authenticity and contents of the footage are expected to play a key role in the ongoing inquiry.
Government Responds
Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara addressed the controversy, stating that the incident reportedly began after another vehicle overtook Hegde’s car. As per the initial police reports, Hegde’s security staff stopped the vehicle and allegedly attacked the family,” the minister said. He also clarified that there is currently no confirmed evidence of Hegde himself physically attacking anyone, but stressed that the investigation is active and impartial.
Conclusion
The case has triggered widespread concern and is being closely monitored amid calls for accountability and justice. With the inclusion of serious allegations such as assault, caste-based hate speech, and intimidation with a weapon, the incident raises broader questions about VIP misconduct and communal tensions on Indian roads.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow developments on this story.
