The Karnataka state government executed a significant administrative reshuffle in Ballari on Tuesday evening, transferring Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Chandrakanth Nanda Reddy from his position in Ballari City. This move comes in the wake of serious allegations leveled against him concerning a contentious banner clash incident that erupted in the city earlier this month.
Transfer Order Leaves New Posting Unspecified
Notably, the official transfer order issued by the government does not specify Nanda Reddy's new posting, leaving his future assignment uncertain. To fill the now-vacant DSP role in Ballari City, the authorities have appointed IPS officer Yash Kumar Sharma, who belongs to the 2023 batch. This appointment aims to bring fresh leadership to the city's police administration amidst ongoing tensions.
Political Figures Level Allegations Against DSP
The transfer follows intense scrutiny and public accusations from prominent political figures. After the banner-related clash that occurred on the night of January 1, Gangavathi MLA G Janardhana Reddy, former minister B Sriramulu, former MLA G Somashekara Reddy, and others held multiple press conferences to voice their grievances against DSP Chandrakanth Nanda Reddy.
Specific Allegations and Legal Actions
They alleged that Nanda Reddy had personally brought city MLA Nara Bharat Reddy from the SP circle near Janardhana Reddy's residence and demanded his arrest. In connection with this incident, Janardhana Reddy filed a separate complaint with Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ravikumar. Dissatisfied with the police response—where they issued only an acknowledgement instead of registering a formal case—he announced plans to file a private complaint in court to seek justice.
Similarly, former minister B Sriramulu repeatedly accused DSP Nanda Reddy of misconduct and openly expressed his anger during a BJP protest meeting held at the APMC premises in Ballari. These public denunciations added to the pressure on the police department and the state government to take corrective measures.
Series of Police Actions in Banner Clash Case
With the transfer of DSP Chandrakanth Nanda Reddy, this marks the third police officer to face administrative action in connection with the Ballari banner clash. Earlier, the government had suspended Superintendent of Police (SP) Pawan Nezjur just one day after the incident, and later transferred Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Varthika Katiyar. This pattern indicates a broader review of police conduct and accountability in handling the situation.
ADGP Report Highlights Administrative Failures
Sources indicate that the latest transfer was prompted by a report submitted by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Hitendra. The report critically assessed the local police administration's performance, concluding that they had failed to control the situation effectively during the clash. Based on these findings, more officers are likely to face disciplinary actions as the investigation continues to unfold.
The ongoing developments underscore the government's efforts to address lapses in law enforcement and restore public confidence in Ballari's policing mechanisms. As the situation evolves, further updates are expected regarding both the transferred officers and any additional measures stemming from the ADGP's report.
