Bengaluru (Karnataka)

Former Karnataka Minister and the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA G Janardhana Reddy has claimed that he is facing serious life threats and has alleged that the recent clash in Bellary was a pre-planned attempt to assassinate him.

Citing security concerns, G. Janardhana Reddy has written letters seeking Z+ category security.

Reddy has addressed his representation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, State Home Minister G. Parameshwara, and the Director General of Police, outlining the threats he claims to have received.

In his letter, G. Janardhana Reddy has alleged that Congress MLA Bharat Reddy is behind the threats to his life. He has reportedly mentioned specific concerns related to his safety and stated that the Bellary incident was not accidental but a well-orchestrated attack aimed at eliminating him.

Reddy has urged the authorities to take his complaint seriously and provide him with enhanced security to prevent any untoward incident. So far, there has been no official response from the Congress MLA named in the allegations or from the state government regarding the demand for Z+ security.

Police sources said the matter is under review and that appropriate action will be taken after the complaint is examined and the threat perception is assessed.

Earlier, supporters of Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and Bharatiya Janata Party MLA G. Janardhana clashed outside the latter's residence in Ballari over the installation of banners for an upcoming January 3 event to unveil the Valmiki statue. Two groups got involved in hand-to-hand combat and stone-pelting, and later firing, prompting police to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd, police said.

The Karnataka police seized five guns that were allegedly used during the violence in Ballari on Thursday night.

Karnataka ADGP Law and Order R. Hithendra told the media that five guns have been seized from five private gunmen at the site.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that he had asked for an enquiry into the clash outside BJP MLA G Janardhana Reddy's residence in Ballari, in which one person was killed.

ALSO READ: Sofia Ashraf: From burqa rapper to an agent of change

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara also said that he has ordered an enquiry into the clash outside BJP MLA G Janardhana Reddy's residence in Ballari, in which one person was killed.