Bengaluru, Jan 7 (NationPress) In a significant move, the Congress-led administration in Karnataka has appointed a new Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Superintendent of Police (SP) for Ballari, a region recently thrust into the spotlight due to violent incidents linked to banner disputes, culminating in the tragic death of a Congress worker.

The government has transferred Vartika Katiyar, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Ballari Division, and appointed P.S. Harsha as the new IGP. It is noteworthy that Vartika Katiyar was previously assigned to this role following a downgrade of her position, but was reassigned just days after taking charge. IGP Harsha had been waiting for a new assignment.

Vartika Katiyar has been appointed as the DIG of the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) effective immediately.

Sumana Pannekar has been named the Superintendent of Police (SP) for Ballari, replacing Pavan Nejjur, who was suspended on the very day he took charge due to his failure to respond to the violence. The government emphasized that the SP should have acted promptly, even within 30 minutes of assuming office. Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, H.K. Patil, stated that immediate action was expected in such critical situations.

Following the change in leadership, senior police officers, including IPS personnel, were reportedly holding a farewell party for the outgoing SP and welcoming the new SP, who took charge on January 1. During this gathering, a violent confrontation erupted between BJP and Congress supporters outside the residence of BJP MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy.

As tensions escalated, sources indicated that only a couple of constables were present at the scene, while other officers remained at the police bungalow for the party. The situation spiraled out of control before reinforcements could arrive.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy and former minister B. Sriramulu claimed that the government pressured the family of the deceased Congress worker, Rajashekar, to conduct a cremation instead of a burial, allegedly to obscure details of the case. Sriramulu asserted that Rajashekar was struck by multiple bullets, cautioning that revealing the facts could implicate local Congress leaders.

Conversely, Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy's team released a photo supposedly depicting a gunman firing from the roof of BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy's home. Allegations have emerged that shots were fired from Reddy's side, prompting Congress to demand an investigation into the actions of the government gunman. In this context, Ballari police have initiated an inquiry regarding the released photograph.

On January 1, a significant clash erupted between Congress and BJP supporters in front of Gangavati MLA Janardhana Reddy’s residence over a banner dispute. During this altercation, a bullet from a private gunman associated with Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy struck Congress worker Rajashekar, resulting in his immediate death.

The situation has since taken on a political dimension, evolving with each passing day. To date, police have apprehended 26 individuals in relation to this case, all of whom have been placed in judicial custody.