Ballari: Former minister B Sriramulu claimed on Tuesday that the banner dispute and shooting incident in Ballari city were part of a deliberate conspiracy, alleging that there was an active effort to obscure the truth.Speaking at a press conference, he criticised the state govt and MLA Bharat Reddy over the conflict related to the banner installation and the shooting that took place in the city on Jan 1, and said, “This incident is not a mere accident. It is a calculated conspiracy to assassinate Janardhana Reddy.”Sriramulu said deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar is coming to offer condolences to the family of the deceased, but is not taking the initiative to investigate the underlying cause of the incident. He alleged that the fact-finding committee constituted by DCM was merely a ploy.The former minister alleged that MLA Bharat Reddy was the primary instigator of the conflict, and said, “When the chief minister arrived at the airport recently, he engaged in a lengthy conversation with Bharat Reddy. Now, DK Shivakumar will conduct a press conference with the A1 accused seated beside him. Given this situation, will the family of the deceased receive justice? The govt appears to be attempting to conceal the case,” he alleged.“Should we remain passive while Bharat Reddy’s group arrived with thousands of thugs and launched an attack?” Sriramulu asked. “We might have sticks in our possession. In a moment of anger, our people could have resorted to sticks or chilli powder. Nevertheless, our men only responded in self-defence when they were assaulted,” he said.“The shooting occurred right before my eyes. The bullet was discharged while Janardhana Reddy was close by. People rushed over, believing that I was shot. Janardhana Reddy narrowly escaped death,” he said.Sriramulu said that if he committed any offence, the police should take him into custody, and asserted that he would not even seek bail. “I will wait to see how DK Shivakumar delivers justice for Rajashekhar’s death,” he said.
