Police in Ballari have significantly ramped up their investigation into the violent banner riot incident that shook the city. In a major development on Monday, teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and a bomb disposal squad conducted a detailed inspection of the incident site and the residence of former minister Gali Janardhana Reddy on Siruguppa Road.
Forensic Scrutiny at Reddy's Residence and Riot Site
The search operation was focused on examining evidence related to the alleged use of explosives and tracing bullets linked to the firing that occurred. The bomb disposal team, which arrived from Hubballi, meticulously combed through Reddy's residence and the incident location using specialized NLJD and DSMD detection machines. Simultaneously, the FSL team collected crucial physical evidence from the areas surrounding the residence and the site of the altercation.
During their search, the bomb disposal squad made a significant discovery, seizing two bullets from a separate location. They also marked the precise spot where a tear gas shell was found and identified the area where a soda bottle was recovered. The team extended their inspection to a glasshouse outside Reddy's office, examining the broken glass there, and conducted searches specifically regarding the potential use of explosives near the former minister's home.
Viral Videos and Allegations Fuel the Controversy
The investigation has been complicated by social media activity and political allegations. A viral video circulating online shows a pile of sticks, allegedly connected to the banner riot, at Janardhana Reddy's residence. Other videos purportedly show Reddy's supporters armed with sticks in a heated verbal confrontation with Congress workers.
Adding to the controversy, former minister B Sriramulu has made serious claims regarding the handling of the case. He alleged that the body of Congress worker Rajasekhar Reddy, who was killed in the firing, underwent two postmortem examinations. Sriramulu stated there was an initial attempt to close the case without a postmortem and conduct the funeral without removing the bullet, and that a second autopsy was performed only after intense discussions.
Police Appeal and Political Fallout
In a bid to gather more evidence, the police inspector of Brucepete Police Station has made a public appeal. The authorities have requested anyone with recorded footage of the altercation that took place between 9:00 PM and 9:20 PM on January 1 in front of MLA Janardhana Reddy's house to come forward. The public can share videos from mobile phones or other electronic devices via WhatsApp at 9480803045 or by visiting the police station in person.
The case, registered at Brucepete Station under number 01/2026, includes charges under sections 103(1), 54, 352, 351(2), and the Arms Act-1959. The discovery of bullets near the location where MLA Bharat Reddy was staying on the day of the incident has further intensified discussions around the case.
Politically, the incident continues to reverberate. KPCC president and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is scheduled to visit Ballari on January 6. A meeting was also convened at a private hotel in the city to discuss the January 1 incident with Congress party workers, indicating the high-stakes nature of the investigation and its political implications.
