26 persons arrested in Ballari clash case

The Ballari Police on Sunday arrested 26 persons in connection with the clash between supporters of Ballari MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and Gangavati MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy late on Thursday (January 1, 2026), which led to the death of Congress worker Rajashekhar Reddy and left a police officer, police personnel and several members of the public injured.

Police sources said the arrested persons belonged to both groups involved in the clash.

According to a press release issued by the Ballari district police, six cases have been registered at the Brucepet Police Station in connection with the incident and are under investigation.

“Based on evidence collected during the probe, including video footage and other material, 26 accused have been identified, traced and arrested so far. All the arrested persons have been produced before the court,” the office of the Superintendent of Police said.

The police said investigation into the remaining aspects of the cases was continuing and further action would be taken based on the outcome of the probe.

Speaking to mediapersons at his residence on Sunday, Mr. Janardhana Reddy alleged serious lapses in allowing armed private security personnel to operate in public places without proper disclosure to the authorities. He said he would hand over the three bullets recovered from the spot to a police team investigating the case as per procedure.

The violence broke out outside the residence of Mr. Janardhana Reddy on Siruguppa Road in the Avvambhavi area following a heated exchange between Congress and BJP supporters over the installation of banners and buntings in connection with the unveiling of the Maharshi Valmiki statue at Valmiki Circle, which was scheduled for January 3.

What began as a verbal altercation soon escalated into a full-scale group clash involving stone-pelting and firing by private gunmen, resulting in the death of Rajashekhar Reddy.