Tumakuru (Karnataka) | Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said that, according to preliminary reports, the bullet that caused the death of a person during recent clashes in Ballari was not fired from police weapons and likely came from a private revolver.

He added that ballistic experts would examine all firearms seized from those present at the scene during the incident.

Amid reports that suspended Ballari SP Pavan Nejjur allegedly attempted suicide by consuming sleeping pills, the home minister clarified that senior officials had informed him the officer was fine and was proceeding to Bengaluru.

Tension had prevailed in parts of Ballari on Thursday night after supporters of Ballari City Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and Gangavati BJP MLA G Janardhan Reddy allegedly clashed over a banner installation issue.

The situation reportedly turned violent, with stone-pelting and gunfire leaving one person dead.

The incident reportedly began after Bharath Reddy’s supporters allegedly installed a poster related to the Valmiki statue unveiling in front of Janardhan Reddy’s residence in Ballari.

"I had sent the ADGP (Law and Order), who is still at the spot. As per preliminary reports, the bullet that killed the person was not fired by the police and does not match police ammunition. It appears to have been fired from a private weapon. The bullet has been sent to the forensic science laboratory," Parameshwara said.

He told reporters that firearms seized from all those present at the scene would be sent for ballistic examination.

"FIRs have been registered based on complaints and counter-complaints against several people. These will be examined. The CM has ordered a high-level probe, and I have issued necessary instructions to the department," he added, noting that statements are being recorded from those at the scene and from individuals identified through police cameras as part of the investigation.

Referring to political statements by leaders from both sides, the minister said facts were more important and that the police were working to establish them.

"Unnecessary statements will be of no use. Leaders going to Ballari and creating a political atmosphere is not appropriate. If provocative statements are made, necessary action will be taken in accordance with the law," he said.

Parameshwara said he would visit Ballari if necessary, once the report is received. He added that organisers of the Valmiki statue unveiling event were advised to postpone the programme due to the prevailing situation, and they complied.

On the suspension of Ballari Superintendent of Police Pavan Nejjur following the incident, he said the SP should have been present at the scene, issued instructions, and brought the situation under control. "As that did not happen, he has been suspended," he said.

When reminded that the SP had taken charge only a few hours before the incident, the home minister said, "Duty is duty. Is he new to the police department? An SP-level officer should have immediately taken up the challenge and brought the situation under control."

He added, "IPS officers are trained to handle such situations at any time. Had he acted promptly, the situation could have been prevented from escalating."

Parameshwara said the Chitradurga SP, who earlier served in Ballari, has been given additional charge of the district, while the Davangere Inspector General of Police has been stationed there.

"We will soon post an experienced SP to Ballari district," he added.

Asked about the suspended SP, Parameshwara said he had not spoken to him personally but was informed by senior officials that the officer was on his way to Bengaluru.

"I don't know his current location. Officials said he is fine, though naturally a bit depressed after the posting and immediate suspension," he said.

Parameshwara added that he had only learned from the media about reports of Nejjur consuming sleeping pills.

"I will verify it. He had informed his friends that he was going to Bengaluru from Ballari," he added.

The government had suspended Pavan Nejjur as Ballari SP on Friday following Thursday night clashes between Congress and BJP workers, which resulted in the death of a ruling party worker. Nejjur had taken charge as SP of the district on Thursday.

He was suspended for allegedly failing to act effectively in handling the situation and for not properly briefing senior officers about the ground realities.

The opposition BJP accused the government of making the SP a "scapegoat".

"To shirk responsibility for the brazen hooliganism carried out by Congress in Ballari, the murder attempt against our party MLA and workers, the collapse of law and order, and the loss of one life, the corrupt Congress government has suspended the DSP, who took office just a day ago. This is a testament to its incompetence," state BJP chief B Y Vijayendra posted on 'X'.

Janardhan Reddy’s close aide and former Minister B Sriramulu, speaking to reporters in Ballari, questioned the government’s decision to suspend the SP instead of arresting Bharath Reddy and his associates.

Eventually, District in-charge Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and Bharath Reddy met Siddaramaiah at Jindal Airport in Toranagallu and briefed him on the incident.

The CM was updated on the situation and developments during the meeting.

Earlier, Siddaramaiah had sought details from Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) R Hithendra, Ballari Range Inspector General of Police Vartika Katiyar, and Davangere Range Inspector General of Police Ravikanthe Gowda, officials said.

The chief minister arrived at Jindal Airport by helicopter and later departed for Bengaluru on a special aircraft, they added.