A violent confrontation between supporters of Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and BJP MLA Gali Janardhan Reddy left one person dead in Ballari, Karnataka, on Thursday, triggering heavy police deployment and raising serious political allegations. According to police, the clash erupted over the installation of a political banner and rapidly escalated into widespread violence.
Banner Row Sparks Street Clash
Police officials said the incident began when supporters of Gali Janardhan Reddy objected to a banner placed by followers of Bharath Reddy outside Janardhan Reddy’s residence. What initially appeared to be a verbal dispute soon turned physical, with both groups allegedly engaging in stone-pelting. The situation deteriorated quickly, creating panic in the area and drawing large crowds, reported PTI.
As tensions mounted, police teams rushed to the spot to restore order. However, officers reportedly came under attack as stones were hurled not only at rival supporters but also at law enforcement personnel. With the confrontation spiralling out of control, police were forced to escalate their response.
Police Action Amid Escalating Violence
Authorities said that when appeals to disperse the crowd failed, police resorted to a lathi charge and fired teargas shells to regain control. The violence coincided with preparations for the unveiling of a Valmiki statue scheduled for January 3, adding to the sensitivity of the situation in Ballari.
During the chaos, rumours spread that a person had been killed in police firing. Officials, however, did not confirm any such death, stating only that one fatality occurred during the violence. Videos that surfaced on social media further inflamed tensions, showing a private gunman allegedly firing shots into the air as clashes intensified.
To prevent further escalation, police deployed additional forces across the city, tightened security, and maintained a heavy presence in sensitive areas as a precautionary measure.
Janardhan Reddy Makes Serious Allegations
Later in the day, Gali Janardhan Reddy addressed the media and made explosive claims against his political rival. He alleged that Congress MLA Bharath Reddy, Bharath’s aide Satish Reddy, and Bharath’s father Nara Suryanarayana Reddy had conspired to assassinate him, as per a report India Today. According to Janardhan Reddy, the banner dispute was merely a cover for a larger plot.
He further claimed that upon his return from Gangavathi, gunmen linked to Satish Reddy opened fire outside his residence as soon as he stepped out of his vehicle. Police have not publicly responded to these allegations, stating that investigations are ongoing and all aspects of the incident are being examined.