The victim, Rajasekhar, succumbed to accidental gunfire amid stone-pelting and chaos in the Avambhavi area near BJP MLA G. Janardhana Reddy's residence.
Supporters of Congress city MLA Bharat Reddy attempted to hoist banners outside Reddy's house ahead of Friday's statue inauguration at SP Circle. BJP workers tore them down, igniting arguments that escalated into rioting.
Both sides hurled stones, some targeting police. Officers lathi-charged the crowd and fired warning shots to restore order.Ballari Superintendent of Police Ranjit Kumar Bandaru described the firing as accidental during the unrest. Rajasekhar was rushed to hospital but declared dead; post-mortem followed.
Police registered an FIR at Brucepet station against 11 people, including Janardhana Reddy, former minister B. Sriramulu, and others like Shekhar, Alikhan, and Somshekhar Reddy. Complainant Chanala Shekhar alleged the accused damaged banners promoting Bharat Reddy's development works, leading to mob violence.
Neither MLA was present initially but rushed back upon hearing news. The incident underscores lingering political rivalries in the mining-rich district, where Janardhana Reddy wields influence despite past legal battles. Authorities tightened security to prevent further trouble during the statue event.
