Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Dec 30: Bantwal city police have arrested a lorry driver and a cleaner in connection with the assault on staff at the Brahmarakootlu toll gate.

The arrested accused have been identified as Bharat (23), the lorry driver, and Tejas (26), the cleaner, both residents of Chikkamagaluru.

According to the police, in the early hours of Dec 29, the accused arrived at the Brahmarakootlu toll in a lorry, driving against the wrong direction. When toll staff demanded the toll fee, the accused allegedly refused to pay, drove the lorry forward and caused damage to the toll gate. It is further alleged that the driver and the cleaner verbally abused and assaulted toll gate staff Ankit and Rohit. Later, they reportedly brought two other persons in a pickup vehicle, illegally entered the toll booth and assaulted the staff again.

Based on a complaint lodged by Prashanth B (25), a Kasargod–Mulleria resident who was serving as the toll in-charge, a case was registered at Bantwal city police station. Following an investigation, the police took the two accused into custody and registered a case against them.