Police in Karnataka's Ballari district have made significant arrests in connection with a violent New Year's Day clash that resulted in the death of a Congress party worker. The incident, stemming from a conflict over banners, has escalated into a major political controversy, with a BJP legislator alleging a pre-planned assassination attempt against him.
Three Gunmen from Punjab Taken into Custody
The Brucepet police have taken into custody three private gunmen associated with Sathish Reddy. Sathish Reddy is identified as a close confidant of Ballari City Congress MLA, Nara Bharat Reddy. The arrested individuals have been named as Mahendra Singh, Baljit Singh, and Gurcharan Singh, all hailing from the state of Punjab.
Investigating officers revealed that a 12 mm bullet from a single-barrelled revolver was recovered from the body of the deceased Congress worker. Preliminary findings suggest the bullet is consistent with the type of revolvers typically used by private gunmen. The seized weapons and ammunition have been sent to a forensic laboratory for ballistic analysis to conclusively match the fatal bullet to a specific firearm.
BJP MLA Alleges "Pre-Planned Assassination Attempt"
In a dramatic turn of events, BJP MLA and former minister G Janardhana Reddy has written urgent letters to both Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He has requested immediate Z-category or equivalent high-level security protection for himself and his family.
In his letter dated Saturday, Reddy claimed the attack on his Ballari residence on January 1 was not a simple political clash. He described it as a "premeditated and systematic assassination attempt" allegedly orchestrated by Congress MLA Nara Bharat Reddy and his associates. "By the grace of God and a stroke of luck, I narrowly escaped death," Reddy stated in his communication. He further accused the local police of being unable to manage the volatile situation.
Reddy's demands include the filing of murder charges against Nara Bharat Reddy, Sathish Reddy, and their associates. He has also called for strict action against police officers for alleged negligence of duty.
Escalating Political Tensions in Ballari
In his separate appeal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Janardhana Reddy sought security from central forces. He argued that the Congress-led state government had failed to ensure his safety. Reddy linked the alleged attack to his renewed statewide campaigning for the BJP, suggesting it had disturbed the Congress leadership.
The arrest of the three gunmen marks a critical development in the case, but the conflicting narratives from political rivals point towards heightened tensions in the region. The police continue to interrogate the arrested individuals while awaiting forensic reports. The case has now drawn attention from both state and central leadership, setting the stage for a protracted political and legal battle.
