Minister’s Car Hits Tree Near Kittur: Laxmi Hebbalkar Sustains Back Injury

Kittur: Karnataka Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar sustained injuries to her back in a car accident early this morning near Ambadgatti village within the Kittur police station limits. The mishap occurred at approximately 6:30 am when the vehicle’s driver, Shivprasad, attempted to avoid a stray dog, resulting in the car crashing into a tree.

Minister Hebbalkar was returning to Belagavi from Bengaluru after attending a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting. The journey began at midnight, and she was en route to participate in rituals at the Veerabhadreshwara Temple in Chikka Hattiholi.

Her brother, Channaraj, who was also in the vehicle, sustained injuries to his face and head but has since been discharged from the hospital. The minister's son, Mrunal, confirmed that she is stable after undergoing an MRI scan, which revealed a hairline fracture in her backbone. She has been advised bed rest for 15 days.

The driver and other occupants of the car escaped with minor injuries. The incident has brought attention to the need for better safety measures and awareness while traveling on rural roads.