Archive · 8 Jan 2026
Karnataka Reshuffles Ballari Police Leadership After Violence
After some bad fighting in Ballari, the Karnataka government made big changes in the police.
The old police chief, Pavan Nejjur, was suspended because he didn't handle the situation well.
A new police chief, Suman D Pennekar, and a new big boss, Dr P S Harsha, were appointed.
The old big boss, Vartika Katiyar, was moved to a different job.
These changes happened because of a fight over a banner that led to someone getting hurt.
Suman D Pennekar appointed as new SP of Ballari district following violence.
Dr P S Harsha appointed as new IGP of Ballari Range.
Previous DIG Vartika Katiyar transferred to Civil Rights Enforcement Directorate.
Previous SP Pavan Nejjur suspended for ineffective handling of violence.
Violence erupted on January 1 over a banner installation issue, resulting in one death.
- Who
- Karnataka Government
- What
- Transferred and appointed new police leadership in Ballari
- When
- January 1-3, 2024
- Where
- Ballari, Karnataka, India
- Why
- Following violence and subsequent suspension of previous SP
- New SP
- Suman D Pennekar
- New IGP
- Dr P S Harsha
- Suspended SP
- Pavan Nejjur
- Transferred DIG
- Vartika Katiyar
- Date of Violence
- January 1
- Date of Suspension
- January 2
- Date of Appointments
- January 3
