‘Not pre-planned’: DK Shivakumar rejects BJP charge over Ballari clash
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday rejected the BJP’s allegation that the recent violent clash in Ballari was a “pre-planned conspiracy”, and said conclusions should be drawn only after the inquiry report is submitted.
According to a report published by NDTV on Saturday, "We have suspended the SP. Let the inquiry come out. This was not preplanned," Shivakumar said, responding to claims made by the opposition.
His remarks came after Leader of Opposition R Ashoka alleged that the clash, which resulted in the death of a Congress worker, was orchestrated in advance.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday announced the suspension of Superintendent of Police (SP) Ballari following a violent clash that killed Congress worker Rajashekhar, saying SP Pavan Nejjur has been suspended for his absence on the spot.
The violence broke out between supporters of Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and BJP MLA G Janardhana Reddy, leading to the death of Congress worker Rajashekhar.
Siddaramaiah, speaking to the media regarding the allegations made by the opposition BJP, said, "I don't want to answer the BJP. I have suspended the SP because he was not present on the spot." NDTV quoted him as saying.
The clash led to further violent incidents, including stone pelting. According to a letter from the Director General & Inspector General of Police, Ballari Range, Ballari, the officer did not effectively manage the situation and failed to brief senior officers on the ground situation properly.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) R Hithendra said five firearms had been seized from private gunmen at the site. The weapons were allegedly used during the violence, he said.
The government has said a detailed inquiry is underway and further action will be taken based on the findings.
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Ajit Pawar's funeral on Thursday; Modi, Shah likely to attend
Baramati (PTI): The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, killed in a plane crash, will be held with full state honours on Thursday in Baramati, Pune district.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to attend the funeral, which will be held at Vidya Pratishthan ground at 11 AM. Leaders cutting across the political spectrum will be present, the Nationalist Congress Party said.
The plane crash occurred in the morning shortly after Ajit Pawar and four other persons took off from Mumbai.
Besides Pawar, his Personal Security Officer, an attendant, and two crew members (pilot in command and the first officer) were also killed.
Pawar is survived by wife Sunetra, a member of the Rajya Sabha, and two sons, Parth and Jay.
The state government declared a public holiday on Wednesday and announced a three-day period of state mourning.
