Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday rejected allegations that a second autopsy was conducted on the Congress worker killed in the Ballari firing incident, terming the claims baseless and unverified. The allegation had been made by Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who also demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara said doctors who carried out the post-mortem examination had clearly stated that the procedure was conducted only once. He cautioned political leaders against making statements without proper verification, warning that such remarks could have serious social repercussions.
“The doctors who conducted the post-mortem have categorically said it was not done twice. Those claiming otherwise—have they even seen it? When doctors have given their statement, who should we believe? I accept the doctors’ version,” he said.
Kumaraswamy had alleged a “systematic conspiracy” by the Karnataka government to cover up the incident and claimed that a second autopsy was performed to manipulate evidence.
The violence occurred on January 4 in Ballari during clashes between Congress and BJP workers over the installation of a banner linked to the unveiling of a Maharshi Valmiki statue near the residence of BJP MLA G Janardhana Reddy. Congress worker Raja Shekhar was shot during the incident, allegedly by private gunmen, and later died from his injuries.
Responding further, Parameshwara said it was inappropriate to indict the entire administrative system based on a single incident, particularly by leaders holding national office. He noted that while Union ministers have access to information from across the country, it did not justify sweeping allegations.
“The police take decisions at their level to maintain law and order, and the government issues necessary directions and takes appropriate measures whenever such incidents occur,” he said.
Police investigations into the case are ongoing. Authorities said steps had been taken to restore order in Ballari. So far, 26 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, including a private gunman accused of firing shots near Reddy’s residence. Police sources said 13 of the arrested are BJP workers, and 10 are Congress workers, highlighting the political sensitivity of the case. Six complaints and counter-complaints have been registered at the Brucepet police station, and all accused underwent medical examination at the Ballari Institute of Medical Sciences.
On Monday, a special court handling cases involving sitting and former MPs and MLAs remanded all 26 accused to 14 days of judicial custody after they were produced from Ballari.