Ballari Banner Dispute Turns Violent, Congress Worker Killed Outside MLA Janardhan Reddy’s Residence

Ballari witnessed violent clashes on January 2 after a dispute over political banners outside the residence of MLA Janardhan Reddy, resulting in the death of a Congress worker. Police confirmed that Rajasekhar, a supporter of Congress MLA Nara Bharat Reddy, died after sustaining a gunshot injury during the confrontation.

The incident occurred in the Avambavi area as political parties prepared for the unveiling of a Valmiki statue scheduled for January 3. According to police, supporters of MLA Bharat Reddy attempted to erect a political banner in front of Janardhan Reddy's residence, which was opposed by Janardhan Reddy's supporters. What began as a verbal argument soon escalated into physical clashes.

Police said Congress banners had already been installed near the residence when BJP workers allegedly removed one of them, triggering tensions. As the situation escalated, senior BJP leader and former minister Sriramulu arrived at the scene, following which scuffles between rival groups intensified.

Police sources said private gunmen accompanying Satish Reddy, an associate of MLA Bharat Reddy, allegedly fired shots into the air during the chaos. Stone-pelting followed, leading to further disorder in the area. Police initially used a lathicharge to disperse the crowd and later fired shots in the air when the situation remained uncontrollable.

During the verbal altercation , Rajasekhar was hit by a bullet and collapsed. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but died during treatment, police said. Congress workers later accused Janardhan Reddy's supporters of responsibility for the firing that led to the death.

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Following the incident, Janardhan Reddy claimed there was a conspiracy to kill him and alleged that the firing was aimed at him. MLA Bharat Reddy rejected the allegation, calling it baseless and politically motivated.

Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara spoke to MLA Bharat Reddy to gather details about the incident. To prevent further violence, prohibitory orders were imposed within a 200-metre radius of the site.

Police have registered an FIR against 11 persons, including MLA Janardhan Reddy, former minister Sriramulu, former MLA Somashekar Reddy, Alikhan, and Dammur Shekhar. Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the sequence of events that led to the firing and the death.

Heavy police deployment continues in the area as authorities monitor the situation closely.

Credit: Oneindia