Sriramulu, Janardhan Reddy Demand Deputy SP’s Suspension over Ballari Violence

 Ballari: Former minister and senior BJP leader B Sriramulu on Friday demanded the government to immediately place under suspension the Ballari DySP, holding him responsible for the law-and-order failure that led to the violent clash and firing outside Gangavathi MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy’s residence, in which a Congress worker was killed.

Addressing the media, Sriramulu said the suspension of Ballari Superintendent of Police Pavan Nijjur was “mere eyewash”, as the officer had taken charge only around 12 hours before the incident.

“How can an SP be held accountable within such a short time? Any officer needs time to assess the situation. This decision is unjust,” he said.

Sriramulu alleged that DySP Nandareddy failed to prevent the mobilisation of large groups. “When thousands of people moved from Durgamma temple to SP Circle and further towards Janardhana Reddy Circle, what was the DySP doing? Had timely preventive action been taken, this tragic incident could have been avoided,” he said.

Blaming Ballari MLA Nara Bharath Reddy, his aide Sathish Reddy and their supporters for the violence, Sriramulu alleged that private gunmen had opened fire during the clash. “A man has died, weapons have been seized, yet there are no arrests. This clearly shows selective action,” he said, demanding immediate arrests.

He also claimed that the private gunman involved in the firing was allegedly absconding despite the seizure of firearms.

“If the bullets had gone slightly this way or that, Janardhana Reddy and I would not have survived. By God’s grace, we are alive,” he said.

Referring to the government’s proposed hate speech law, Sriramulu demanded that MLA Nara Bharath Reddy be booked under the same. “If the law applies to everyone, it should apply to ruling party MLAs as well,” he said.

Alleging a complete breakdown of law and order in Ballari, Sriramulu warned that the BJP would launch a padayatra from Ballari to Bengaluru if those involved in the violence including MLA Bharath Reddy, his aide Sathish Reddy and others were not arrested. He also reiterated the demand for a probe by a sitting High Court judge or the CBI.

“CM Siddaramaiah held a Padayatra from Bengaluru to Ballari alleging ‘Republic of Ballari.’ Now they are trying to have ‘Republic of Congress,’ and we will have to take padayatra against this,” he warned.

Gali Janardhana Reddy too held the Ballari DySP responsible for the law-and-order failure that led to the violent clash and firing in the city, demanding his immediate suspension.

"He is the main person responsible for this," he said.

Speaking to reporters, Janardhana Reddy alleged that Ballari MLA Nara Bharath Reddy was escorted by DySP.

He said police escorted Bharath Reddy from SP Circle to his residence even as stone-pelting and firing took place.

Janardhana Reddy alleged that Sathish Reddy and his private gunmen were involved in the firing and said police had failed to take swift action despite seizing weapons.

Both leaders demanded that Sathish Reddy and the private gunman involved in the firing be arrested without delay. “Justice must be delivered to the deceased. If the government fails to act, we will be forced to take to the streets,” both the leaders warned.

Janardhan Reddy also sought a probe by a sitting High Court judge or the CBI, stating that video evidence of the incident was available and could easily establish responsibility.

The BJP leaders cautioned that a padayatra from Ballari to Bengaluru would be launched if action was not taken.