The chairman of Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) was assaulted by a group of armed men with iron rods in a posh south Delhi area last night. Two persons have been arrested, the police said.

Anil Kumar Chaudhary, 58, was on his way back home from work when his car was hit by another vehicle carrying four people at around 10.30 pm, the company said in a statement.

SAIL said it was “deeply shocked and anguished” at the attack.

“As he and his driver came out of the car, one person from the other car caught the driver by his neck while the other three severely attacked Chaudhary with iron rods on his head, neck, knees and legs. The assailants were also armed with knives. The driver was left unharmed,” SAIL said in the statement.

Two patrolling personnel of the Defence Colony police station reached Hudco Place, August Kranti Road, at around 10.50 pm and saw two-three men beating up a person, police said. The incident took place on Wednesday night and two persons were arrested from the spot, they added.

The policemen rescued the man, who was later identified as SAIL chairman Chaudhary, and caught hold of two of the accused, said Vijay Kumar, deputy commissioner of police (south).

Chaudhary said, “I was taken by surprise by this unexpected and violent attack. It was a murderous assault. However, I am grateful to police patrol for its quick action. Due to their timely arrival, two miscreants could be nabbed on the spot. I am confident that the police will probe the matter and book all the culprits.”

Chaudhary was going towards Siri Fort when the incident happened, police said.

Sources said the police was probing all angles, including personal enmity, company issues or a case of road rage. Some suggested that the issue of extending personal security to the heads of such state-owned units would also be discussed in the coming days as the CISF already provides cover for the manufacturing plants. The company is set to announce its June-quarter results on Friday.

A case under Indian Penal Code sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) has been registered at the Hauz Khas police station.