Ballari clashes over banner installation turn violent, Congress worker killed; prohibitory orders imposed

Ballari ; Ballari witnessed tense scenes on Thursday night after a clash broke out between supporters of Ballari City MLA Nara Bharat Reddy and former minister G Janardhan Reddy over the installation of banners, leading to stone-pelting, firing allegations and the death of a Congress worker. Following the violence, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders to prevent further escalation.

According to police and political sources, the confrontation erupted near Janardhan Reddy’s residence when banners related to the upcoming installation and unveiling of a Valmiki statue at Valmiki Circle were being put up across the city ahead of the January 3 programme. The dispute reportedly began when banners were installed on the road in front of Janardhan Reddy’s house, triggering objections from the rival camp.

What started as a verbal altercation soon escalated into stone-pelting between the two groups. During the violence, Congress worker Rajashekhar allegedly sustained a gunshot injury and later died, sparking outrage among Congress leaders. Several others, including police personnel, were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Ballari City MLA Nara Bharat Reddy alleged that the attack was carried out by Janardhan Reddy’s supporters. “Congress worker Rajashekhar was killed in firing. This was an attack by Janardhan Reddy’s supporters,” he said, demanding strict action against those responsible.

Janardhan Reddy, however, made counter-allegations, claiming there was a conspiracy to assassinate him. He accused Nara Bharat Reddy, his associate Satish Reddy and Bharat Reddy’s father Nara Suryanarayana Reddy of plotting his murder. “Under the pretext of a banner dispute, gunmen opened fire in front of my residence when I arrived from Gangavathi,” he alleged, even displaying a bullet to the media. He further accused his rivals of attempting to disturb peace in the name of the Valmiki statue installation.

The situation in Ballari remained tense for several hours, with traffic restricted on Siruguppa Road and heavy police deployment across sensitive areas. As a mark of protest, MLA Nara Bharat Reddy staged a sit-in outside Janardhan Reddy’s residence, demanding his arrest.

Meanwhile, Ballari Rural police registered an FIR against Janardhan Reddy and 10 others in connection with the initial clash over banner installation. Based on a complaint filed by Congress worker Chanal Shekhar, Janardhan Reddy has been named as Accused No.1, followed by Somasekhar Reddy, B Sriramulu and others.

Senior police officers, including IGP Vartika Katiyar and SP Jahnavi, visited the spot and reviewed the situation. Additional police forces from Vijayanagara, Koppal and Raichur districts have been deployed, with over 1,000 personnel, including KSRP and DAR units, pressed into service. Police said the situation is now under control, and further investigation is underway.