Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar and her brother, MLC Channaraj Hattiholi, sustained minor injuries in a car accident near Ambadagatti on the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway early Tuesday morning near Kittur. The incident occurred around 6 a.m. when their vehicle collided with a roadside tree as the driver swerved to avoid hitting a stray dog, police reported.
Ms. Hebbalkar, who suffered minor injuries to her face and back, has been admitted to a private hospital for a precautionary check-up. Her brother, Mr. Hattiholi, received a minor head injury and was treated as an outpatient. Superintendent of Police Bheemashankar S. Guled inspected the accident site and visited the hospital where the minister is being treated.
Family sources stated that the siblings were traveling to Belagavi from Bengaluru after a Congress legislative party meeting. Ms. Hebbalkar opted for road travel as no flights were available at night.

Dr. Ravi Patil, head of VOTC Hospital in Belagavi, confirmed that Ms. Hebbalkar’s CT scan and MRI revealed minor spinal injuries at L1 and L4. “She is stable and responding well to treatment. A four-week rest is advised,” he said. Mr. Hattiholi, discharged after treatment, was advised to rest for a week to aid recovery.
Home Minister G. Parameshwar reached out to the minister’s son, Mrinal Hebbalkar, to inquire about her health and instructed officials to ensure her proper care.
Despite the car’s damaged front bonnet, all passengers are reported to be safe with no serious injuries. Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.
This may be due to overnight journey & Driver must be sleepy & dosing at that time.
I don’t feel dog is the cause.
The poor driver becomes the fall guy!