A BJP leader was allegedly assaulted with a sharp weapon by Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar’s brother and MLC Channaraj Hattiholi at the former's residence at Kuvempu Nagar in the city on Monday evening.
The injured BJP leader has been identified as one Prithvi Singh and has been admitted to a private hospital for treatment.
According to allegation made by Singh in a video, Hattiholi attacked him with knife and himself suffered injuries on his right arm. Hattiholi also took away Singh's cell phone. The latter's son got him admitted to a private hospital.
Singh said, " I am a BJP SC morcha leader and close associate of former minister and BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi." He said he has appealed to the party leaders to come to his aid.
Police said Singh was yet to file complaint and has informed that the incident took place at his residence.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Market Subdivision Narayan Baramani visited hospital and availed information from Singh regarding the incident.
Singh’s son Jasvir told reporters,"At around 4:50 pm, Hattiholi’s PA and gunman came to our residence and took my father out with them. Hattiholi had been abusing over phone and as he went out with them, five persons attacked and injured him. He was becoming unconscious so I brought him to hospital for treatment."
Assistant Commissioner of Police Market Subdivision Narayan Baramani visited hospital and questioned Singh regarding the incident.
APMC police is investigating the case.
BJP State President B Y Vijayendra, District President Sanjay Patil, City President Anil Benake, former MLC Mahantesh Kavatgimath, M B Zirali and others visited the hospital.
Hebbalkar has denied any connection with the assault of Singh. In a statement, she said, "Some persons from our side visited residence of Singh for one document and held talks. During talks, he was wearing saffron coloured t-shirt which is recorded on the CCTV camera. Later he was seen wearing a white colour shirt while talking in the video. It appears to be act of vested interest to make allegations. Police investigations will find the truth."