Ballari clash: Sriramulu seeks High Court or CBI probe into firing that killed youth

BJP leader and former minister B. Sriramulu demanded a probe by either a High Court judge or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the firing incident in Ballari in which a 26-year-old youth was killed following a clash over the installation of banners.

Addressing a press conference at the residence of Gangavathi MLA Janardhan Reddy in Ballari on Friday (January 2, 2026), Mr. Sriramulu expressed deep anguish over the death of Rajasekhar and said such incidents were unacceptable irrespective of the victim’s political affiliation. “Whether the deceased belonged to the Congress, BJP or JD(S), the loss of a young life over a trivial issue like a banner is deeply painful and should never have happened,” he said.

‘Deliberate provocation’

Holding Ballari MLA Bharath Reddy responsible for the incident, the former minister alleged that the clash was the result of deliberate provocation and misuse of youth for political ends. He said there was no objection to putting up banners for the Valmiki statue installation, but questioned the logic behind placing them near the residence of Mr. Janardhan Reddy along a busy thoroughfare. He claimed that when Mr. Janardhan Reddy questioned the move, Bharath Reddy’s close associate Mr. Satish Reddy led his supporters and attempted to attack, forcing police to intervene and disperse the crowd.

He also alleged that private gunmen associated with Mr. Satish Reddy opened fire in “cinema-style” during the chaos and added that a bullet of .76 mm calibre had been recovered. “Who permitted firing in a public place? The death of a youth due to firing by private gunmen is apparent at first glance and must be thoroughly investigated,” he said, adding that several youths from Mr. Janardhan Reddy’s side had sustained injuries during stone-pelting.

Mr. Sriramulu criticised the presence of private gunmen with individuals who held no constitutional position and accused them of indulging in intimidation and violence. He also dismissed claims that Mr. Satish Reddy had suffered serious injuries, alleging that the bandages displayed were “bogus”,” he said warning Mr. Bharath Reddy of “accidents” if the latter moved in an excessive speed in politics.

Demands probe into private gunmen

Reiterating his demand for an independent probe, Mr. Sriramulu said the bullet lodged in the deceased’s body must be scientifically examined to establish accountability. “If I have committed any wrongdoing, I am ready to be arrested today,” he said, adding that the Valmiki statue installation programme scheduled for January 3 should be conducted peacefully without disruption.

He said the BJP had decided to stand firmly behind Janardhan Reddy in view of what he described as an attempt on his life and that the matter had been brought to the attention of senior State and national party leaders.

Mr. Sriramulu added that the police had seized weapons from seven government gunmen attached to Mr. Janardhan Reddy, Somasekhar Reddy and himself, and that preliminary information indicated the fatal bullet was fired from a private weapon.

Mr. Janardhan Reddy alleged that the incident reflected a deterioration of law and order in Ballari and accused Mr. Bharath Reddy of indulging in various illegal activities. He said a formal complaint would be lodged regarding threats to his life and the breakdown of public order in the city.