The Karnataka government has firmly rejected demands for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the recent Ballari violence, which led to the death of Congress worker Rajashekar Reddy. Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated on Thursday, January 8, 2026, that the state cabinet had previously decided not to hand over such cases to the CBI, except under specific circumstances like a court order. He reaffirmed confidence in the Karnataka Police's ability to conduct a thorough and professional investigation. The violence erupted on January 1, 2026, in Ballari following a dispute over the installation of banners related to a Maharshi Valmiki statue. Clashes broke out between supporters of Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and BJP MLA Gali Janardhan Reddy. The situation escalated, involving stone-pelting and firing, which tragically resulted in Rajashekar Reddy's death. Police investigations and forensic reports indicate that the fatal bullet was fired from the weapon of a private security officer associated with Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy's close aide, Sathish Reddy. This revelation has intensified political accusations, with BJP leaders like former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy demanding a CBI inquiry and criticizing the government's handling of the situation. In the aftermath of the violence, the state government took swift action, suspending the then-Ballari Superintendent of Police, Pavan Nejjur, for alleged dereliction of duty. Subsequently, P.S. Harsha was appointed as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Ballari range, and Suman D. Pennekar took charge as the new Superintendent of Police for Ballari district. Police have also issued notices to over 30 Congress workers and arrested 26 individuals from both parties in connection with the incident.