Security was beefed up in the area on Friday (January 2, 2026), a day after an alleged clash between supporters of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Janardhana Reddy and Congress MLA Bharath Reddy over putting up banners in Karnataka’s Bellary. According to the police, one person died in this incident on Thursday (January 1, 2026). A senior police officer said, ‘The situation has been brought under control and additional security forces have been deployed. At present the situation is peaceful and all precautionary measures have been taken to prevent any untoward incident.
In a video viral on social media, a private security personnel is allegedly seen firing in the air. A senior police officer said, ‘The situation has been brought under control and additional security has been deployed. At present the situation is calm and all necessary precautionary measures have been taken to ensure that no untoward incident occurs. The clash took place ahead of the proposed Valmiki statue unveiling program in Bellary on January 3.
Janardhan Reddy’s supporters protested
According to the police, Bharat Reddy’s supporters were trying to put up banners in front of Janardhana Reddy’s residence in Avambhavi area, which was opposed by Janardhana Reddy’s supporters. This resulted in a heated debate. Initially there was an altercation which soon turned into a scuffle and supporters of both sides allegedly pelted stones. Police sources said that stones were also thrown at the policemen who reached the spot to bring the situation under control. Police said that many people have been injured in this incident and their number and identity are being confirmed.
Police lathicharged
Sensing that the situation was going out of control, the police resorted to lathi charge and also fired bullets in the air to disperse the crowd and restore order. Police said investigation is underway to ascertain the sequence of events and confirm the allegations.
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