Bengaluru: A JD(S) leader allegedly assaulted a constable who was regulating traffic at Gottigere in Bengaluru, leading to his arrest and a police investigation.

The accused, identified as Manjunath alias Gottigere Manjanna, a state general secretary of the Janata Dal (Secular), was arrested by police after the incident on Sunday afternoon.

Constable Arun, attached to the Hulimavu traffic police station, was managing traffic near the station around 4 pm. He signalled Manjanna’s vehicle to stop to allow vehicles approaching from the opposite direction to pass.

The traffic stop reportedly triggered an argument, with Manjanna questioning the constable over why his vehicle had been halted.

The confrontation escalated after Manjanna allegedly grabbed Arun by the collar and attempted to assault him with the help of an aide. A video of the incident has also surfaced online.

The footage shows Manjanna attempting to kick the constable while speaking to a senior police officer over the phone.

According to the complaint, Manjanna had contacted the senior officer to raise a grievance about the traffic constable. Arun was subsequently asked to apologise, which reportedly angered some junior police personnel.

The situation then escalated further, prompting members of the public and other traffic police personnel to intervene and separate the two.

A senior police official said Arun had left for home before senior officers were informed. He was later called back to provide his statement about the incident.

Case registered against JD(S) leader

Joint Commissioner of Police (East) Ramesh Banoth confirmed that a case had been registered at Hulimavu police station and that an investigation was underway.

The case includes provisions relating to assault or use of criminal force against a public servant to deter him from carrying out his official duty, along with other applicable sections.