Ballari clash: K'taka govt vows legal action; investigates complaints

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said action in the Ballari clash would follow the legal framework and complaints from Janardhana Reddy and another MLA are being investigated. DyCM DK Shivakumar blamed Reddy for the violence.

Legal action assured in Ballari clash

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Sunday said that all actions related to the Ballari clash would be carried out within the legal framework. Parameshwara added that he has not received any letter from the MLA Janardana Reddy, and once it is received, the government will take the appropriate action required. "Whatever action needs to be taken within the legal framework will be taken. I have not received any letter from Janardhana Reddy yet. Once it is received, we will take whatever appropriate action is required. He has already made a complaint. Another MLA has also submitted a complaint; we will investigate both together. During the investigation, whether they claim it was a gun, a hand grenade, or anything else, all of that will be examined. If anything like petrol bombs was used, it will come to light," G Parameshwara told reporters.

DyCM Shivakumar blames Janardhan Reddy

Earlier on Saturday, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that "Ballari was peaceful until BJP MLA Janardhan Reddy stepped into the district", adding that "the culprits of Ballari violence would be brought to justice."

Addressing a joint press conference at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Home office, Krishna, Shivakumar said, "There was no violence until Janardhan Reddy was allowed into Ballari. He doesn't have the right to talk about the violence. Our party will stand behind our MLA Bharat Reddy. The investigations will find out the culprits, and strict action will be taken against them."

Dismissing the BJP MLA Janardhan Reddy's statement that there was a conspiracy to kill him, the DCM accused Reddy of not being able to accept defeat, calling him "a drama master." He said, "He is a drama master. He is movie producer after all and it is natural for him to act. Who will try to kill a man who has a built a fort and has hundreds of security staff. In fact, the people of Ballari are worried. Reddy family is not able to digest the defeat in Ballari and hence they are making these accusations."

What led to the violence?

The violence erupted during preparations for the unveiling of the Maharishi Valmiki statue at SP Circle in Ballari. (ANI)

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