Road Rage on Bengaluru-Pune Highway: Former BJP MP, Staff Allegedly Beat Up Family

Former BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde and his aides were booked for allegedly assaulting a family during a road rage incident on the Bengaluru-Pune highway. The incident, which took place near Hale Nijagal, occurred on Monday evening and has since gained widespread attention, especially after a video of the altercation went viral on social media.

According to a report by The Times of India, an FIR has been filed against Hegde, naming him as the primary accused. The complaint, filed by Saif Khan, a resident of Vasantapura, also includes Hegde's driver Mahesh, gunman Sridhar, and several unidentified individuals. Though Hegde's son was present, he was not named in the FIR.

Police have invoked multiple IPC sections, including criminal intimidation and assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty. Notably, all charges filed are bailable at the police station level.

What Triggered the Assault?

As per Saif Khan's complaint, the altercation began when he attempted to overtake Hegde's Mahindra XUV-700. Due to the narrow escape between the two vehicles, women in Khan's car screamed in fear. Shortly after, Hegde's SUV overtook Khan's vehicle and blocked the road. The former MP's aides allegedly got down and began assaulting Khan and his male co-passenger.

A video captured by one of the women in Khan's car shows aides of the BJP MP forcefully pulling Khan and his co-passenger out of the vehicle. Loud screams can be heard as the men are seen being punched and slapped repeatedly. Though the video ends, the complaint states that harassment continued off-camera.

After the beating, the women reportedly stepped out to seek help from passing commuters. Hegde's driver Mahesh allegedly tried to flee in the SUV, but the women stood in front of the vehicle to stop him.

The complaint also accuses Hegde's gunman of brandishing a licensed firearm, threatening the family. The gunman later claimed he acted out of precaution and duty to protect the former MP.

Saif Khan suffered two broken teeth and had to seek medical treatment before registering the complaint at the police station.