The Karnataka government has escalated the investigation into the violent New Year's Day clashes in Ballari by transferring the case to the state's Crime Investigation Department (CID). The decision follows the death of a Congress worker, Rajashekhar Reddy, in a firing incident that erupted from a dispute over a banner during a Valmiki community event outside the residence of BJP MLA G Janardhan Reddy.
Escalation of Violence and Police Action
On Friday, January 10, 2026, Karnataka police chief Dr. M.A. Saleem ordered the immediate transfer of four related cases registered at the Brucepet police station to the CID for further investigation. The cases stem from complaints filed by the family of the deceased, local Congress leaders, the police themselves, and BJP MLA Janardhan Reddy. The state police chief's directive mandates the CID to submit a detailed report upon completion of the probe.
The tragic sequence of events unfolded on January 1 near the house of Gangavathi region BJP MLA G Janardhan Reddy in Ballari's Havamabhavi area. A confrontation between Congress and BJP supporters over a banner for a Valmiki statue inauguration quickly spiraled out of control. The clashes, which spanned approximately six hours, involved three separate incidents of violence.
Chronology of the Clashes and Fatal Shooting
According to preliminary investigations, the first incident occurred in the early evening when Congress workers erected the controversial banner. It was allegedly removed by individuals from the BJP MLA's residence, triggering a second, more violent confrontation. Congress ally Sathish Reddy arrived with supporters, demanding the banner's reinstallation, leading to stone-pelting and scuffles.
It was during this escalation that Sathish Reddy's armed bodyguard, Gursharan Singh, fired his personal shotgun. The bullet struck and killed 28-year-old Congress worker Rajashekhar Reddy. Medical and post-mortem evidence confirms he was hit by a bullet from a private weapon. Police have arrested Gursharan Singh and 35 others in connection with the violence.
A third incident occurred later that night when Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy arrived at the scene after learning of the party worker's death.
Political Fallout and Conflicting Allegations
The case has ignited a major political firestorm in Karnataka. Home Minister G Parameshwara stated, "Let an investigation be done and let the truth come out," in response to the CID takeover.
Allegations are flying from all sides. The victim's younger brother filed a police complaint holding Janardhan Reddy, his close aide BJP MLA B Sriramulu, and his brother Somashekhar Reddy responsible for the death. Another complaint from a deputy superintendent of police also names Congress leader Sathish Reddy for his role in the clashes. The Arms Act has been invoked in the case.
However, Janardhan Reddy presents a counter-narrative. In his complaint, he claims he was traveling from Gangavathi when the trouble started and alleges that a bullet fired by a Congress leader intended for him accidentally hit the Congress worker. He accuses Congress MLA Bharath Reddy and Sathish Reddy of attempting to storm his house.
BJP leader B Sriramulu has demanded a CBI probe or judicial inquiry, alleging a cover-up and calling for the arrest of Congress MLA Bharath Reddy. Meanwhile, local Congress leaders and state ministers have visited the victim's family, promising compensation. The scheduled January 3 inauguration of the Valmiki statue in Ballari has been postponed by the Congress government.
The CID's investigation will now focus on piecing together the complex events, with forensic examination of five firearms seized from politicians' bodyguards being a critical component to determine the intent behind the fatal shot.
