Four FIRs registered after clash over installation of banner CM orders inquiry

Four FIRs, including one against BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy, have been registered in connection with the violent clashes that erupted over the installation of banners ahead of a Valmiki statue unveiling programme, police said on Friday.

One person died in the clashes on Thursday. The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered an inquiry into the incident. Security was beefed up in Ballari, even as the situation remained peaceful on Friday, a day after clashes allegedly broke out between supporters of BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy and Congress MLA Bharath Reddy over the installation of banners, police said.

BJP MLA Janardhana Reddy and former minister Sriramulu, and others were booked in connection with the clashes, police said.

Superintendent of Police (In-charge) Ranjit Kumar Bandaru said there was a ruckus in front of Janardhan Reddy's residence in the Havambhavi area on Thursday in connection with the installation of a flex regarding the unveiling of the Valmiki statue between the supporters of Janardhan Reddy, Sriramulu and the supporters of local MLA Bharath Reddy and his supporter Satish Reddy.

“There was stone pelting and an accidental firing leading to the death of a person. All of this led to a frantic situation. Police subsequently brought the situation under control by dispersing the people gathered,” he told reporters.