The Karnataka government is moving towards a high-level investigation into the violent political clash in Ballari that resulted in the death of a Congress worker. State Home Minister G Parameshwara indicated on Sunday that the case is likely to be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Violence Erupts Over Banner Installation
The incident unfolded on January 1 when workers from the Congress and BJP parties engaged in a fierce confrontation. The dispute originated over the installation of a banner near the residence of BJP MLA Gali Janardhan Reddy in Ballari. The situation quickly escalated into violence, during which Congress worker Rajashekar Reddy sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
Home Minister Parameshwara clarified that police personnel did not open fire at the scene. The fatal bullet was identified as a 12mm round fired from a private gunman's weapon. "We are contemplating handing over the case to CID, and I will ask the chief minister before taking a final call," Parameshwara stated.
Suspensions and Allegations of a Pre-Planned Attack
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Ballari Superintendent of Police Pavan Nejjur was suspended. Notably, Nejjur had assumed charge of his position on the very day of the clash, January 1. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar defended the swift action, revealing he had personally spoken to the officer. "Even I called him over the phone immediately after the incident, and I know in what stage he was. I also spoke to the previous SP and other local MLAs and leaders," Shivakumar explained.
A highly placed source indicated the suspension was due to a failure to control the volatile situation. The source added, "Five guns have been seized, and preliminary reports suggest that several rounds of bullets were fired in the air, and one such bullet hit Rajashekar Reddy. The bullet that hit the deceased belongs to Congress MLA Satish Reddy’s gunman."
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Janardhan Reddy held a press conference on Sunday, making serious allegations. He claimed the January 1 clash was a pre-planned attack with the intention to kill him. Reddy disclosed that he has written separate letters to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, formally requesting Z-category security for his protection.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings
The local police have registered a total of four cases in connection with the clash, including one initiated suo motu (on its own motion). Authorities continue to investigate the sequence of events and the exact circumstances that led to the fatal shooting. The potential transfer to the CID signals the government's intent for a thorough and impartial probe into the incident that has heightened political tensions in the region.
The developments underscore the volatile nature of political rivalries in the area and have sparked a debate on security for elected representatives and the measures needed to prevent such violent confrontations in the future.
