The Karnataka Police have filed FIRs against BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy and Congress MLA Nara Bharat Reddy following a violent incident in Ballari related to a banner, resulting in the death of a Congress party worker. The investigation is focused on determining the individual responsible for the fatal gunshot that claimed the life of Rajashekar.
An FIR has been lodged against several individuals, including MLA Bharat Reddy, in connection with the death of Rajashekar. The Bruce Pet Police Station in Ballari is handling the investigation, with multiple names mentioned in the FIR, such as Satish Reddy, Chanal Shekhar, Nara Pratap Reddy, and Nara Suryanarayana Reddy. The complaints leading to the FIR were filed by MLA Janardhana Reddy and BJP worker Nagaraj.
Allegations of assault and attempted murder have been made by MLA Janardhana Reddy against various individuals, including MLA Bharat Reddy. Additionally, a separate complaint by BJP worker Nagaraj includes accusations of trespass, caste-based abuse, attempted murder, and rioting. The presence of BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra during the filing of complaints was noted.
Investigations have revealed that the fatal shot fired at Rajashekar was from a 12 mm single-bore bullet discharged from a single-barreled gun. Police sources have indicated that four gunmen associated with Satish Reddy, a close aide of MLA Bharat Reddy, are currently evading authorities. The police have confirmed the firing of shots during the violent incident, with one gunman observed shooting at Janardhana Reddy’s residence.
Supporters of Bharat Reddy have informed the police that shots were fired in response to alleged intense stone-pelting by Janardhana Reddy’s supporters towards Satish Reddy. Meanwhile, another bullet shell was discovered at Janardhana Reddy’s residence. Inspector General of Police Varthika Katiyar visited Ballari to assess security measures and confirmed the return to normalcy in the city.
Inquiries into the shooting incident are ongoing to determine the responsible parties. Housing and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan, the District In-charge Minister for Ballari, is scheduled to meet Rajashekar’s family members. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress party leadership have taken note of the situation, instructing MLA Bharat Reddy to show restraint following his confrontational remarks against Janardhana Reddy.
The suspension of Ballari Superintendent of Police Pavan Nejjur has sparked discussions, with Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil explaining that the suspension was due to the officer’s failure to visit the violence site promptly. Patil emphasized the importance of immediate action, even if the officer had recently assumed the role.
