Ballari (Karnataka), Jan 2 (NationPress) Former Minister of Karnataka and prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), B. Sriramulu, claimed on Friday that gunfire was directed at mining magnate and party MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy, along with a petrol bomb being thrown amidst a banner-related conflict in Ballari, which led to the death of a Congress worker.

"We are not evading responsibility and will refrain from seeking anticipatory bail. If a judicial investigation is not feasible, we demand a CBI inquiry. Those responsible must face justice," Sriramulu asserted.

He made these statements during a joint press briefing at Janardhana Reddy's residence in Ballari.

Sriramulu characterized the incident as extremely troubling and without precedent in the current climate.

He called for an urgent investigation into the Ballari violence, advocating for a judicial probe led by a serving High Court judge.

Sriramulu demanded that the authorities determine the source of the fatal bullet and ensure accountability for all firearms, including those belonging to security personnel accompanying BJP leaders.

He also requested an immediate report from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).

Holding the Congress-led state government accountable for the tragic death of the innocent youth in the Ballari incident, Sriramulu questioned the large assembly of people near Janardhana Reddy's residence.

He alleged that over 2,000 individuals had gathered, some brandishing beer bottles, demonstrating a blatant disregard for law and order.

In a direct appeal to Congress MLA Nara Bharat Reddy, Sriramulu warned against engaging in hostile politics, stating, "You have a promising future, but this reckless approach could lead to serious consequences."

He emphasized that the BJP would unwaveringly support Janardhana Reddy and cautioned against politicizing the incident.

Sriramulu remarked that the events on Thursday had caused profound sorrow for all involved.

"Unacceptable actions have transpired. An innocent individual, Rajashekar, has lost his life. Regardless of party affiliation, he fell victim to the shooting. I extend my condolences and hope his family finds the strength to endure this loss," he expressed.

Sriramulu noted that while there was no opposition to the erection of banners, space had been requested for vehicular movement.

He alleged that the violent confrontation between the supporters of Congress MLA Nara Bharat Reddy and BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy was premeditated.

"Their supporters arrived with the intention of inciting violence. When BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy appeared, the situation escalated rapidly. Gunfire was aimed at him, as he recounted. Shortly after, police intervened and dispersed the crowd," Sriramulu explained, adding that chants grew louder as the enraged crowd swelled.

He also claimed that even before police intervention, bodyguards of Congress MLA Satish Reddy, an ally of Congress MLA Bharat Reddy, had discharged their weapons in a dramatic fashion.

"Such an incident occurred in Ballari only once before, in 1982. It has now happened again. Gunfire erupted in public. Who authorized this shooting? At first glance, it seems that the firing originated from their side (supporters of Congress MLA Bharat Reddy)," the BJP leader asserted.

Sriramulu accused the crowd of indiscriminately throwing stones, resulting in injuries to numerous BJP workers and leaders.

"When they (Congress) threw stones, our (BJP) members retaliated. It was their armed individuals who discharged the firearms. Satish Reddy is neither a current nor former MLA, yet he was armed, indicating their (Congress) arrogance," he alleged.

Stating that the BJP had called for peace, Sriramulu clarified that the shooting was not executed by police but by private citizens.

Sriramulu also accused Congress MLA Bharat Reddy of making incendiary remarks, including threats to "set Ballari ablaze."

"Statements about burning Janardhana Reddy's residence and reducing Ballari to ashes raise serious doubts about who introduced the petrol bombs," he remarked.

He appealed against involving Maharshi Valmiki or any specific community in the controversy, asserting that there was no opposition to the statue's installation.

The situation in Ballari remains tense following the violent clash, with police maintaining heightened security in the area.

Meanwhile, State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra visited the residence of former Minister Janardhana Reddy and the site of the clash on Thursday in Ballari.

What started as a dispute over the placement of party banners in Ballari on Thursday night escalated into a violent conflict between two factions allegedly associated with BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy and Congress MLA Nara Bharat Reddy, culminating in the death of a Congress worker.

The situation intensified after Janardhana Reddy alleged that there was a conspiracy to assassinate him, purportedly orchestrated by Congress MLA Bharat Reddy's family.

In response to the incident, police imposed prohibitory orders in the area as a precautionary measure.

The deceased has been identified as Rajashekar, a supporter of Congress MLA Bharat Reddy.