Violent Clashes in Bellary: Congress Worker Killed Amid Political Tensions
Significant Developments in the Bellary Violence Case
A major revelation has emerged regarding the death of Congress worker Rajshekhar, who was killed during violent clashes between Congress and BJP supporters in Bellary, Karnataka. According to police sources, post-mortem and forensic examinations revealed that the 28-year-old was shot with a bullet allegedly fired from the weapon of Congress MLA Nara Bharat Reddy's personal security officer during the altercations on Thursday evening.
Forensic Findings and Police Actions
The post-mortem was conducted at Bellary Medical College and Research Center, where forensic teams recovered a fragment of a 12 mm single-bore bullet from Rajshekhar's body. Investigators noted that this bullet fragment matched the ammunition used by the weapons seized from the personal and government security personnel of MLA Nara Bharat Reddy and his close associates. In light of the ongoing investigation, Bellary SP Pavan Nejjur was suspended on Friday. Nejjur had taken charge as Bellary SP on January 1.
Weapons Seized After the Clashes
Following the clashes, police confiscated a total of five weapons from the MLA's personal and official gunmen, which are now held at the Bruspete police station. Forensic experts compared the evidence collected from the violence scene with the bullet fragment found during the post-mortem. Senior police officials indicated that scientific evidence suggests that the fatal bullet was fired from one of the weapons carried by the security personnel.
FIR Filed Against Congress MLA and Supporters
An FIR has been registered against Congress MLA Nara Bharat Reddy and his supporters following a complaint from the BJP regarding the Bellary violence. Two separate FIRs have been filed under the jurisdiction of the Bruspete police station against the MLA and his associates. The BJP's complaint alleges trespassing into the residence of MLA Janardhan Reddy, use of caste-based remarks, and attempts to assault.
Details of the FIRs
The individuals named in the cases include MLA Nara Bharat Reddy, his father Surya Narayana Reddy, his uncle Pratap Reddy, and close associates Satish Reddy, Channel Shekhar, Lokesh Avvambavi, Gangadhar, among others. One FIR lists 41 accused, while the other names 23 individuals, both filed at the Bruspete police station.
Background of the Violence
The clashes in Bellary erupted on Thursday evening when supporters of Congress MLA Nara Bharat Reddy allegedly put up banners outside the residence of BJP MLA Janardhan Reddy in the Avmabhavi area. These banners were reportedly placed ahead of the unveiling of a statue of Valmiki scheduled for Saturday. Reports indicate that a dispute arose between Congress workers and Janardhan Reddy's supporters while the banners were being installed. The confrontation escalated, with Janardhan Reddy claiming that Bharat Reddy's supporters fired 4 to 5 rounds during the clash, a claim that the Congress MLA has denied.