BALLARI / BENGALURU: Gangavati MLA G. Janardhan Reddy on Wednesday released what he described as “video evidence” to back his claim on who fired the fatal shot during the Ballari clash, even as police investigation in the case continues and arrests have already been made based on ballistic findings.
Addressing a press conference in Ballari, Reddy—seen in a blue shirt in the clip—played and repeatedly rewound visuals on a device, alleging that the victim, identified as Rajasekhar, was shot from close range during a tense moment when police were using lathi-charge to disperse a crowd. Former minister and BJP leader B. Sriramulu (the bearded man seen alongside) was present during the briefing as the footage was discussed.
Reddy told reporters that the visuals being shown were part of a larger set of recordings and claimed multiple camera persons had captured the sequence. He alleged that immediately after a lathi-charge began, Rajasekhar—who, he claimed, was among those running back with the public—was hit by a gunshot from behind. “There was no one between the gunman and him,” Reddy claimed, insisting the act could not be passed off as an accidental discharge.
In the clip narrative, Reddy points to the moment of firing and argues that the weapon was aimed “straight” at the victim’s back. He further claims the firing took place amid commotion involving stone-and-bottle throwing, and that the victim collapsed right after the shot. Reddy also alleged that the gunman’s proximity and the direction of fire indicate “clear intention,” calling it a “murder” rather than a “misfire,” while urging stronger action by police.
Reddy additionally sought to separate the sequence of events into different time windows, claiming one round of chaos occurred earlier, and that the fatal shooting he is pointing to occurred later when another group arrived. He alleged that the deceased was a known local face who could mobilise people quickly, and suggested that this was the reason the target was chosen—an assertion that remains his claim, not an established finding.
Police, meanwhile, are examining multiple inputs—including videos, witness accounts and forensic material—as part of the ongoing probe. Reddy, in the same interaction, alleged delay and “pressure” in process, and said he had approached legal counsel regarding next steps and documentation, including copies related to his complaint.
Authorities have not publicly authenticated the specific clip played at the press conference as definitive proof of the shooter’s identity. Investigators typically rely on a combination of CCTV/phone videos, scene reconstruction, forensic examination, and ballistic matching before filing final conclusions in court. The case remains under investigation, with further action expected based on evidence and statements recorded by police.
