Ballari, Karnataka — A violent confrontation over the installation of banners ahead of a Maharshi Valmiki statue unveiling event in Ballari has claimed at least one life and triggered significant unrest in the city’s Havambhavi area. 
The incident occurred on Thursday evening, a day before the scheduled unveiling programme on January 3.
According to police and eyewitness accounts, the clash broke out when supporters of Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy attempted to erect banners related to the Valmiki Jayanti celebrations. Supporters aligned with former minister and BJP leader Gali Janardhan Reddy objected to the placement of these banners near Janardhan Reddy’s residence, leading to a heated verbal dispute that quickly turned into a physical confrontation.
Fatal Shooting and Violence
The situation escalated when shots were fired during the clash. The deceased, identified as Rajashekhar, a 28-year-old Congress worker and resident of Hussain Nagar, suffered a gunshot wound amid the chaos and later succumbed to injuries. Police have launched an investigation to determine who fired the fatal shot.
Both sides reportedly engaged in stone-pelting, resulting in minor injuries, while videos circulating on social media showed gunshots being fired in the air as tempers flared. Police rushed to the scene and resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowds and restore order. Additional security forces were deployed across sensitive areas to prevent further escalation.
Allegations and Political Blame Game
In the aftermath of the clash, both political leaders traded serious allegations. Janardhan Reddy accused Bharath Reddy, his close aide Satish Reddy, and Bharath’s father, Nara Suryanarayana Reddy, of orchestrating what he described as an “assassination attempt” against him under the pretext of the banner dispute. He claimed gunmen opened fire when he returned to his residence after arriving from Gangavathi, showing bullet casings as evidence.
Bharath Reddy, on the other hand, condemned the violence and demanded the immediate arrest of Janardhan Reddy and others allegedly involved in the firing. He maintained that banners had been placed appropriately on public streets and denied that they were installed at Janardhan Reddy’s house.
Police Response and Investigation
Police officials have filed cases and are investigating the sequence of events, including the origin of the gunfire and responsibility for the fatality. Prohibitory measures have reportedly been imposed in parts of Ballari as a precaution, and authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance amid fears of further unrest.
The developing situation has drawn widespread attention due to the political profiles of the leaders involved and the sensitive timing ahead of a major community celebration. Additional details are expected as investigations proceed.
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