Ballari Violence: FIR Filed Against Janardhana Reddy After Clash Over Valmiki Statue Banners Turns Fatal

Violence erupted in Karnataka’s Ballari district after a dispute over banners ahead of a Valmiki statue inauguration spiralled into a deadly clash between rival political supporters, prompting police to file a First Information Report (FIR) against senior BJP leader Janardhana Reddy.

According to police officials, the clash involved supporters of Congress MLA Bharat Reddy and followers of Janardhana Reddy. What began as a disagreement over the display of banners near the statue site quickly escalated into stone-pelting and gunfire, leaving one person dead and several others injured.

The incident occurred in Ballari city, a region with a history of intense political rivalry. Eyewitnesses reported that tensions had been brewing for hours before the confrontation turned violent. Stones were hurled from both sides, creating chaos in the area and forcing residents to flee indoors.

Police confirmed that firearms were also used during the clash, marking a serious escalation in what initially appeared to be a local dispute over political presence at a public event. One individual succumbed to injuries sustained during the violence, though officials have not yet disclosed further details about the victim.

Following the incident, law enforcement authorities registered an FIR naming Janardhana Reddy as Accused No. 1. Senior police officials said the FIR includes charges related to rioting, unlawful assembly, and culpable homicide, among other sections, based on preliminary findings and eyewitness accounts.

A senior police officer said swift action was taken to prevent further escalation. Additional police forces were deployed across sensitive areas of Ballari, and flag marches were conducted to restore calm. Authorities also imposed preventive measures to avoid retaliatory violence.

Speaking on the situation, police officials emphasised that the investigation would remain impartial and that action would be taken strictly according to law, regardless of political affiliation. “No one is above the law. We are examining all evidence, including video footage and eyewitness statements,” a senior officer said.

The clash has triggered sharp political reactions, with leaders from both the BJP and Congress trading allegations over responsibility for the violence. While Congress leaders accused Janardhana Reddy’s supporters of instigating the clash, BJP leaders claimed the violence was a result of provocation by Congress workers.

The Valmiki statue inauguration, meant to be a symbolic and cultural event, has now been overshadowed by concerns over law and order. Civic authorities are reviewing security arrangements for future public events in the district to prevent similar incidents.

Ballari has witnessed political tensions in the past, but the use of firearms in this incident has raised serious questions about public safety and enforcement. Police said the situation is currently under control, but investigations are ongoing and further arrests may follow as the probe progresses.