Model House Linked to Janardhan Reddy Set on Fire in Ballari Amid Banner Row
Tension escalated in Ballari after a model house linked to Janardhan Reddy was set ablaze before the banner controversy subsided triggering political accusations and a police investigation into suspected arson.
- Model house linked to Janardhan Reddy gutted by fire
- Ballari police begin probe into arson incident
- Banner controversy sparks political blame game
Karnataka, Ballari: Even before the banner controversy in Ballari could settle down a fresh incident has added fuel to the political tension in the region. A model house linked to Gangavathi MLA and former minister Janardhan Reddy was set on fire on Friday triggering sharp reactions and allegations of political vendetta.
The incident took place near the Cantonment area in Ballari at the G Skyr Layout which is owned by Janardhan Reddy. According to initial information unidentified persons allegedly set fire to the model house built within the layout leading to flames engulfing the entire structure within minutes.
Fire and emergency services rushed to the spot and worked to bring the blaze under control. Police officials also visited the location and began a preliminary investigation to assess the extent of damage and determine the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Janardhan Reddy held discussions with the Ballari Superintendent of Police soon after the incident came to light. Sources said the MLA who was in Bengaluru attending the special assembly session decided to return to Ballari after the session concluded to personally review the situation.
Former MLA Somasekhar Reddy reacted strongly to the incident and alleged political motives behind the fire. He claimed that threats were made during the banner dispute and accused rival political forces of acting on those warnings. He stated that the model house was built to showcase a large residential layout developed across nearly one hundred acres.
Janardhan Reddy also spoke to the media and expressed concern over the timing of the incident. He said it had not even been fifteen days since the banner controversy and yet such a serious incident had occurred. He added that he had informed senior police officials and demanded strict action against those responsible.
Police have intensified security in the area and assured that all angles including political rivalry will be examined as part of the investigation.
