Bengaluru, 24 June

Karnataka police have arrested the driver and gunman of former BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde in connection with a road rage incident involving two vehicles on a highway near Nelamangala (Dabaspet) in Bengaluru Rural district, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

State Home Minister G Parameshwara, commenting on the matter, said, "As per the information I have received, it seems that when Anant Kumar Hegde was to arrive on the highway, his driver and gunman stopped a vehicle and assaulted someone. I can't say anything right now, as a full investigation is still pending. They (Hegde's side) have claimed that no assault took place. Let's wait and see what comes out of the investigation."

The minister added, "The police have stated that Anantkumar Hegde himself did not assault anyone. They have informed me that they will carry out the next phase of the investigation and take appropriate action. The investigation will determine whether Anantkumar Hegde was involved or not."

Bengaluru Rural SP CK Baba said, "This is a road rage incident. One vehicle is an XUV and the other is an Innova car. There was a scuffle between the people in the two vehicles. The gunman of former MP Anantkumar Hegde and their driver beat up the Innova car driver."

He said a case was registered at Dabaspet police station.