Minister only abused me, claims victim

Although eyewitnesses have said the minister slapped the businessman, Bharat is now denying it. The realtor changed his version under pressure from the minister's supporters, it is learnt.   "The incident occurred when I was returning from Nelamangala with my wife, three children and father-in-law," Bharat told Deccan Herald. According to him, the road was down-hill near Solur. "My car was not travelling at more than 20 km an hour," he added.

"I overtook the minister’s  car. Infuriated, the minister's car tried to go past my vehicle. At this juncture, a KSRTC bus came from the opposite direction. I couldn't swerve my vehicle to the left as there was a huge pit. Hence, I continued in the same lane."

When he stopped, the  minister’s  driver accosted him. "As soon as he alighted, he started badmouthing and beating me up. The minister's bodyguard also assaulted me," he narrated.  Suddenly, the minister came and "started abusing me in the choicest terms. He also threatened me ignoring the pleas of my family," Bharat said.

On his part, Bache Gowda continued to defend himself. “I fail to understand why the Chief Minister apologised on my behalf. He should have discussed the matter with me and listened to my side of the story before tendering an apology to Bharath,” he said.

Nonetheless, Bache Gowda said he would apologise to the Chief Minister for having made him apologise to Bharath.