Ballari model house arson case: Eight detained, including six minors; police probe reels angle and political motive

Ballari: In a major twist to the arson case involving a model house linked to Gangavathi MLA G. Janardhan Reddy, Ballari police have taken eight persons, including six minors, into custody for questioning.

Police sources said the incident may have occurred either due to negligence or deliberate intent while the accused were allegedly shooting reels for social media near the property.

The detained individuals are residents of the Koul Bazaar area in Ballari. Investigators are examining multiple angles, including whether the fire was accidental during reel-making or a premeditated act. “At this stage, we are probing all possibilities. The role of social media content creation has emerged as a key lead,” a senior police officer said.

The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Rizwan, a site engineer, at the Ballari Rural Police Station. According to the complaint, a group of eight to 10 miscreants aged between 20 and 25 allegedly set fire to the model house around 5.30 pm on Friday.

The model house belongs to Aruna Lakshmi, wife of Gangavathi MLA Janardhan Reddy, and is located in Rukmini Avenue Layout. The fire caused extensive damage, destroying televisions, chairs, sofa sets, kitchen fittings, air conditioners, refrigerators, wooden doors and other interiors.

The complainant estimated the loss at around ₹1.25 crore. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident. Police confirmed that the damaged structure is part of the G Square Layout, which spans around 109 acres. The high-profile ownership of the property had immediately triggered speculation and allegations of political conspiracy soon after the incident came to light.

Adding a political dimension to the case, the complainant has urged police to investigate the incident in the context of an earlier statement allegedly made by MLA Bharat Reddy, in which he reportedly said “Ballari will be reduced to ashes.” Based on this, police said they are also examining whether the arson was politically motivated.

Soon after the fire, allegations surfaced that Congress supporters could be behind the incident, though no evidence has yet been established to substantiate these claims. Former MLA Somasekhar Reddy alleged that threats of arson had been issued during an earlier banner-related controversy and claimed the present incident appeared to be a continuation of that hostility.

“This incident did not happen in isolation. During the banner dispute, there were open threats. What we are seeing now is the result of that atmosphere,” Somasekhar Reddy alleged.

Police, however, said no conclusions would be drawn until the investigation is completed. “We are questioning those detained, verifying CCTV footage and analysing technical evidence. Action will be taken strictly as per law,” an official said.

The incident has intensified political tensions in Ballari and is expected to trigger further reactions in the coming days, even as police continue their investigation.

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