Daijiworld Media Network – Ballari
Ballari, Jan 24: Police have taken eight persons into custody in connection with a fire incident reported at a model house owned by BJP leader Janardhana Reddy in Ballari district, triggering political allegations and protests.
The incident took place on Friday evening at a model house constructed by Janardhana Reddy and former minister B Sreeramulu at the G Square layout on Belagallu Road. The 60x60 model house, developed to showcase the residential layout, did not have an electricity connection at the time of the incident.
Complaints in this regard were lodged at the Grameena police station by site engineer Rizwan and layout supervisor Imran.
According to police, unidentified miscreants allegedly set fire to the house. Though security guards rushed to the spot, they were unable to prevent the blaze. By the time fire services arrived, the structure was almost completely gutted.
Ballari Superintendent of Police Dr Suman D Pennekar and Additional SP Ravikumar visited the spot along with a forensic team to assess whether petrol or diesel was used and to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Addressing mediapersons, Dr Pennekar said preliminary investigation indicates that a group of youths entered the premises to shoot reels and photographs for social media.
“A group of youngsters had gone to the model house to record reels and take photos. In this connection, eight persons have been taken into custody,” he said.
Of those detained, six are minors and two are adults. Police have seized mobile phones containing reels and photographs shot at the location. Preliminary findings suggest that one of the youths accidentally set fire to an object, which resulted in the blaze.
The SP also noted that the house had remained unused for several years and did not have security staff, CCTV cameras, or household items such as televisions, refrigerators or furniture. “At this stage, it appears the incident was not intentional. However, investigation is continuing,” he added.
Meanwhile, Janardhana Reddy and his brother Somasekhar Reddy alleged the involvement of Ballari city MLA Nara Bharat Reddy in the incident.
Addressing reporters, they claimed that prior to the recent banner controversy and firing incident, the MLA had visited their residence on January 1 and issued a threat. “He warned that if I took action regarding the banner issue, our house would be set on fire. Since our residence could not be touched, this model house was targeted,” they alleged.
Following the incident, Somasekhar Reddy, along with former MLA Sanna Fakkeerappa and supporters, staged a protest near Gaddagi Chennappa Circle late Friday night, demanding immediate arrest of those responsible and strict legal action.
Police said all angles, including political allegations, are being examined as part of the investigation.