Tension gripped Karnataka’s Ballari district after a violent clash between supporters of two rival political leaders left one person dead on Thursday night, just a day before a Valmiki statue unveiling programme.
The incident took place near the residence of Kalyana Rajya Pragathi Paksha (KRPP) founder and MLA Janardhana Reddy, whose party merged with the BJP last year. According to the police and local residents, the violence erupted when Congress workers allegedly attempted to put up banners in the area ahead of the event, which is scheduled for Friday.
Supporters of Congress MLA Bharath Reddy and Janardhana Reddy soon confronted each other, leading to heated arguments that escalated into stone-pelting. Locals also claimed that gunshots were heard during the chaos. Police said that Satish Reddy, a close aide of Bharath Reddy, arrived at the spot along with armed security personnel, and one of the gunmen allegedly fired two rounds in the air.
In the violence, a man identified as Rajashekhar, reportedly a Congress supporter, was killed. Several others sustained injuries. Police have registered cases against 11 people, including Janardhana Reddy. A separate case has also been filed against former minister and BJP leader B Sriramulu, who reached the spot during the unrest.
Congress MLA Bharath Reddy denied allegations of putting up banners in front of Janardhana Reddy’s house, claiming they were installed on public streets. He accused his political rivals of trying to disrupt a programme meant for the Valmiki community and said responsibility must be fixed for the death.
Janardhana Reddy, on the other hand, accused the Congress of bringing private gunmen, calling it illegal and dangerous. He alleged the firing was an attempt to intimidate or harm him.
To prevent further escalation, police have banned large gatherings in the area and deployed additional forces. Authorities said mild force was used to disperse the crowd and restore order, while investigations are ongoing.
