Four FIRs, Additional Forces Deployed as Senior Officers Rush to Ballari After Violence

Ballari: Additional police forces have been deployed, four FIRs registered, and senior officers stationed in Ballari, with normalcy slowly returning to the city a day after violent clashes broke out near former minister G Janardhan Reddy’s residence.

Supporters of Bellary City MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and Gangavathi MLA G Janardhan Reddy clashed on Thursday night, during which a Congress worker, Rajashekhar, was killed in a firing incident. Though it is yet to be established who opened fire, police have so far seized five firearms from private gunmen and are likely to seize more.

Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) R Hithendra rushed to Ballari on Friday morning and reviewed the law-and-order situation and security arrangements. Briefing the media, Hithendra said four FIRs had been registered in connection with the incident and five policemen were injured during the violence.

“The clash was followed by stone pelting and firing in the air by a private gunman. Police resorted to lathi charge and tear gas to disperse the mob. One person died after sustaining a bullet injury. During the post-mortem, bullet fragments were recovered,” he said.

Of the four cases registered till Friday evening, one was based on a complaint filed by the brother of the deceased, another related to a person who suffered a head injury, while an activist lodged a complaint alleging disrespect to Maharshi Valmiki. A suo motu case has also been registered against all those present at the spot.

“If complaints are received from the other side, those too will be taken up and investigated,” Hithendra said, adding that details about who fired the weapon would be disclosed only after the investigation.

“Five weapons have been seized from private gunmen. Any additional firearms will also be seized and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for ballistic examination to determine which weapon was used. We will also examine whether the gunmen violated licence conditions,” he said.

Responding to questions on whether police initially underestimated the situation, Hithendra said the matter would be reviewed internally. “Force was used, including lathi charge and tear gas. Internally, we will examine how the situation escalated to this extent,” he said.

Police are analysing video footage from multiple sources, including police recordings, media visuals and CCTV footage. Arrests will be made only after examining evidence and not randomly, he added.

“One banner-related incident led to the death of one person and head injuries to another. This should not have happened. The firing by a private gunman also should not have occurred,” Hithendra said.

In-charge Superintendent of Police Ranjith Kumar said the situation in the district was under control. “Additional forces have been deployed. Ten KSRP platoons, 12 DAR units and personnel from Chitradurga, Koppal and Vijayanagara districts have been pressed into service,” he said.

Preliminary reports suggest the firing did not involve police weapons but a private firearm. “We are conducting a detailed inquiry. The FSL team is examining the weapons and all available footage is being analysed,” Kumar added.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said directions had been issued to investigate the group clash near Janardhan Reddy’s residence and submit a detailed report. Officials were also instructed to probe the ownership of the firearm used in the incident.

The Chief Minister said it was possible that Satish Reddy may have fired in the air and the bullet could have struck Rajashekhar, making a thorough investigation necessary.

The family of Rajashekhar was inconsolable as his mortal remains were brought home. MLA Bharath Reddy was among those who carried the body. “Justice must be done for the injustice caused to us. Losing my son has caused immense pain to our family,” said the victim’s mother, Tulasi.

According to sources, the programme scheduled for Saturday to unveil the statue of Maharshi Valmiki in Ballari has been temporarily postponed in the interest of maintaining law and order. The district administration reportedly informed the government that holding the event amid prevailing tension could lead to untoward incidents, following which the government advised postponement.