Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar categorically denied allegations from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that the recent violent clash in Ballari district was a premeditated conspiracy, insisting that the incident was not orchestrated in advance and calling for patience until the official inquiry report is released to clarify the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

In direct response to claims by Karnataka Leader of Opposition R Ashoka labeling the confrontation as a "pre-planned conspiracy," Shivakumar emphasized the government's immediate actions, including the suspension of Ballari Superintendent of Police Pavan Nejjur, and reiterated that the authorities are committed to a thorough investigation to uncover the facts without jumping to conclusions based on partisan accusations.

The clash, which erupted on Thursday during the unveiling ceremony of the Statue of Valmiki Maharishi at SP Circle, involved supporters of Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and BJP MLA G Janardhana Reddy—whose Kalyana Rajya Pragathi Paksha (KRPP) party merged with the BJP last year—escalating into stone pelting and gunfire that tragically claimed the life of Congress worker Rajashekhar and left others injured.

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Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed the suspension of the newly appointed SP for failing to be present at the scene and effectively manage the deteriorating situation, stating that he had no interest in engaging with BJP's political allegations while prioritizing administrative accountability, as outlined in an official order citing inadequate briefing of senior officers and poor handling of ground realities.

Further developments revealed that Karnataka Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) R Hithendra announced the seizure of five firearms from private gunmen allegedly involved in the violence, underscoring the seriousness of the incident, while the Director General and Inspector General of Police recommended disciplinary measures, highlighting lapses in crowd control and preventive policing that allowed the rivalry to turn deadly.

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