Overview
- Congress worker Rajashekar died of a bullet injury during a January 1 confrontation near Janardhan Reddy’s residence after rival supporters clashed over banner placement.
- Brucepet police registered multiple cases, including murder and attempt to murder, and named 11 accused in an FIR, with Janardhan Reddy listed first along with leaders such as B. Sriramulu and Somasekhar Reddy.
- Ballari’s in-charge SP said preliminary findings indicate the fatal bullet was not from police fire and appeared to be from a private weapon, with FSL analysis, CCTV review and seized firearms under examination and no arrests announced.
- Authorities imposed prohibitory orders, deployed additional forces, and used a lathi charge and warning fire to disperse crowds as videos showed private gunmen firing during the clashes.
- Political fallout intensified as BJP leaders alleged targeting and sought a probe by a High Court judge or the CBI, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered an enquiry into the incident.