Banner Clash in Ballari Turns Deadly; Congress Worker Killed in Firing

Ballari: A clash between supporters of Gangavathi MLA G Janardhan Reddy and Bellary City Nara Bharath Reddy over banner installation in Ballari on Thursday evening turned violent, resulting in the death of Congress worker Rajashekhar in firing. Bharath Reddy confirmed the death of the Congress worker.

Police imposed security measures in the area and resorted to lathi charge to bring the situation under control. Supporters of both leaders were dispersed and additional forces were deployed in sensitive parts of the city as a precautionary measure.

Janardhan Reddy and Bharath Reddy have accused each other of being responsible for the firing.

According to sources, banners and posters were being installed across the city in connection with the scheduled installation of a Valmiki statue on January 3. Trouble erupted when supporters of Bharath Reddy allegedly put up banners in front of Janardhan Reddy’s residence, triggering objections from the latter’s supporters.

What began as a heated exchange reportedly escalated into a physical clash, and stone pelting following which firing took place, leaving one person dead. The deceased has been identified as Rajashekhar, a Congress worker.

Police personnel rushed to the spot and resorted to lathi charge to disperse the crowd and restore order.

Speaking to reporters, Janardhan Reddy alleged that four rounds were fired soon after he got down from his vehicle. He said he was returning from Gangavathi when he received information that Satish Reddy, a close aide of Bharath Reddy, along with supporters and private gunmen, were sitting in front of his house and putting up banners.

“A poster had been pasted on the compound wall in the morning and was removed by our security personnel. In the evening, when my security questioned them, they were allegedly assaulted,” Reddy claimed.

Alleging that the incident was deliberate, Janardhan Reddy blamed MLA Bharath Reddy and his aide Satish Reddy. “When I got down from my vehicle, firing started. Someone shouted that Reddy had arrived,” he alleged.

He said he would lodge a formal complaint with senior police officials and approach the Director General of Police and the Central government seeking enhanced security.

Meanwhile, Bharath Reddy demanded the immediate arrest of Janardhan Reddy, holding him responsible for the firing and the death of the Congress worker.

“Janardhan Reddy and his brother Somashekhar Reddy are responsible for the firing. They should be arrested immediately,” Bharath Reddy demanded.

He claimed that banners were being put up on city streets and not at Janardhan Reddy’s house. “Everyone wanted the Valmiki programme to be a grand success. But Janardhan Reddy does not want Ballari to be peaceful and does not want the Valmiki programme to take place,” he alleged.

“Workers had an argument. Why did Janardhan Reddy and Sriramulu come to the spot? Why stoop to this level? We too can do more, but we do not want that,” he said.

Police officials said investigations were under way and further action would be taken based on the findings.