Karnataka home minister rejects allegations of double post-mortem in Ballari incident

Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday categorically rejected claims that a second post-mortem was conducted in the Ballari firing incident. Speaking to reporters, he said that the doctors who carried out the original autopsy had confirmed it was conducted only once. He urged political leaders to avoid making statements without proper verification, emphasising that unverified claims could create unnecessary social tension.

Background of the Ballari incident

The violence occurred on January 4 in Ballari, a city in northern Karnataka, during a confrontation between Congress and BJP supporters. The clash was reportedly triggered by the installation of a statue of Maharshi Valmiki near the residence of BJP MLA G Janardhana Reddy. During the altercation, Congress worker Raja Shekhar was shot and later succumbed to his injuries.

Eyewitness accounts suggested that private gunmen were involved in the incident, though police investigations are ongoing to establish the chain of events and identify those directly responsible. The local administration imposed security measures in Ballari following the firing to prevent further escalation of violence.

Kumaraswamy’s claims and political reaction

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy had earlier alleged that there was a systematic conspiracy by the Karnataka government to cover up the incident, including claims of a second autopsy to manipulate evidence. He demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of the Congress worker.

Parameshwara dismissed these allegations, stating that they were politically motivated and lacked factual basis. He reiterated that the official post-mortem had been conducted by qualified doctors and that no additional procedures were performed.

Police and administrative response

Parameshwara stressed that the police operate independently to maintain law and order, and the government provides directions only when necessary. He highlighted that drawing conclusions about the entire system from a single incident would be misleading. Authorities continue to investigate the Ballari firing, including reviewing CCTV footage, eyewitness statements, and ballistic reports.

Political experience and context

The Home Minister, currently serving his third term, pointed to his 38 years of political experience and multiple administrative responsibilities. He suggested that handling sensitive situations such as communal or political violence requires careful management and cannot be reduced to public speculation.

Additional context on Ballari and political tensions

Ballari has been a hotspot for political tensions in northern Karnataka, with rivalries between parties occasionally resulting in public confrontations. The incident reflects long-standing political competition and localised disputes over public symbols and community sentiments. The state government has assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted and justice delivered.

The clarification by Parameshwara puts to rest claims of a second autopsy in the Ballari firing case. While political debates and calls for further investigation continue, the official record confirms that only one post-mortem was conducted. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have urged citizens to allow due process to take its course.
(With PTI inputs)