Archive · 4 Jan 2026
Ballari Clash: Congress Worker Dies, Investigation Ongoing
There was a big fight in Ballari, Karnataka, between supporters of the Congress and BJP parties.
One person died, and the police superintendent was suspended because he wasn't there to control the situation.
The BJP says the fight was planned, but the Congress leader DK Shivakumar says it wasn't and that they are waiting for an investigation.
The police found five guns at the place where the fight happened.
The chief minister also said he suspended the superintendent because he wasn't present during the incident.
The BJP filed a complaint, blaming Congress MLA Bharath Reddy for the violence, while the Congress awaits an inquiry.
The police are still investigating to find out who fired the fatal bullet.
A violent clash between Congress and BJP supporters in Ballari, Karnataka, resulted in the death of a Congress worker, Rajashekhar.
BJP alleges the clash was a pre-planned conspiracy, while Congress denies these claims and awaits an investigation.
Superintendent of Police Pavan Nejjur was suspended for not being present during the incident and failing to brief senior officers.
Five guns were seized from private gunmen allegedly involved in the violence, with the police awaiting an FSL report to determine the source of the fatal bullet.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the suspension and ordered an inquiry into the clash.
- Who
- Congress and BJP supporters, Superintendent of Police Pavan Nejjur, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Karnataka BJP
- What
- Violent clash resulting in the death of a Congress worker, suspension of the Superintendent of Police
- When
- Clash occurred on Thursday, allegations and responses on Friday
- Where
- Ballari, Karnataka
- Why
- Dispute during the unveiling of the Statue of Valmiki Maharishi, political tensions
BJP
Congress
Clash Pre-Planning
BJP
The clash was a pre-planned conspiracy by Congress.
Congress
The clash was not pre-planned; they await an investigation.
Responsibility for Violence
BJP
Congress MLA Bharath Reddy and his supporters fired the gun that killed the worker.
Congress
No official statement from Congress on who fired the gun, but they deny pre-planning.
- Involved Parties
- Congress, BJP, Kalyana Rajya Pragathi Paksha (KRPP)
- Location
- Ballari, Karnataka
- Casualties
- 1 (Congress worker Rajashekhar)
- Action Taken
- Suspension of Superintendent of Police Pavan Nejjur
- Incident Trigger
- Clash between Congress and BJP supporters during a statue unveiling
- Weapons Seized
- 5 guns from private gunmen
- Allegations
- BJP claims the clash was pre-planned
- Response
- DK Shivakumar denies pre-planning, awaits inquiry
Sources
"Not Pre-Planned": DK Shivakumar Denies BJP's Allegations Over Ballari Clash
Firing near Gali Janardhan’s residence in Ballari
Ballari Partyworkers' Clash: Superintendent of Police Suspended, Karnataka BJP Says Fatal Shot Fired By Congress
Ballari banner clash: FIR filed against MLA Janardhan Reddy, former minister Sriramulu
Won’t allow ‘Republic of Ballari’ again: Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar
Won’t allow ‘Republic of Ballari’ again: Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar
Ballari violence: Suspended SP allegedly attempts suicide; BJP terms Cong govt ‘murderous’
Who Fired Fatal Bullet? Police Await FSL Report in Ballari Clash Death
Ballari Group Clash: Two FIRs Name MLA Bharath Reddy, Aides over Attack Allegations
Ballari clashes: Bullet that killed man not fired by police; ballistic test ordered, says minister
Sriramulu, Janardhan Reddy Demand Deputy SP’s Suspension over Ballari Violence
Ballari clash death: Bullet not fired by police, says Karnataka HM
Suspended Ballari SP Attempts Suicide Amid Political Storm Over Congress–BJP Clash And Crossfire Death
HM Revanna-Led Congress Panel to Submit Ballari Incident Report to DKS in Three Days
