In a significant administrative reshuffle following deadly political violence, the Karnataka government has appointed new top police officials for Ballari district. This move comes days after a clash near BJP MLA Gali Janardhan Reddy's residence resulted in the fatal shooting of a Congress party worker.
New Police Leadership Takes Charge in Ballari
The state government issued an order on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, effecting key transfers. Suman D Pennekar, who previously served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for the intelligence wing in Bengaluru, has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Police (SP) for Ballari. She replaces Pavan Nejjur, who had taken charge as SP on the very day of the violence, January 1, and was suspended the following day.
Simultaneously, a change was made at a higher level. Vartika Katiyar, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for the Ballari range, has been transferred to the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement as a Deputy Inspector-General (DIG). Senior IPS officer P S Harsha, who was awaiting a posting, has been named as the new IGP for the Ballari range.
The Trigger: Violence Over a Banner Leads to Death
The transfers are a direct consequence of the violent incident that unfolded on New Year's Day. Tensions erupted near the Ballari home of Gangavathi BJP MLA Gali Janardhan Reddy over the erection of a banner related to the unveiling of a Valmiki statue. The confrontation turned deadly when Congress worker Rajashekar Reddy was shot and killed during the clash.
Police investigations have progressed since the event. Authorities have questioned more than 26 individuals in connection with the violence. A key finding from the probe indicates that the bullet that killed Rajashekar Reddy was fired from close range. However, investigators have stated it is yet to be ascertained whether the shot was deliberately aimed at him or was a misfire.
Political Fallout and Demand for CBI Probe
The incident has ignited a major political controversy. BJP leader and former minister Sriramulu addressed the issue on Tuesday, January 6. He demanded that the state government either hand over the murder case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or order a judicial inquiry. Sriramulu announced his intention to hold a padayatra (foot march) from Ballari to Bengaluru to press for his demands.
He made a serious allegation, stating, "The bullet was fired from Bharath Reddy’s gunman, and the Government has tried to suppress the information. The police need to arrest Bharath Reddy." Nara Bharath Reddy is the Congress MLA representing the Bellary City constituency, adding a complex layer to the investigation.
The government's response, through the swift transfer of police officials, underscores the seriousness with which it is treating the law and order situation in Ballari. The high-level meeting attended by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and District In-charge Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan earlier in the week signaled the impending administrative actions. All eyes are now on the new police leadership to ensure peace and a thorough investigation into the killing that has shaken the district.
