BALLARI: Eight people, including six minors, have been arrested in connection with a model house belonging to BJP MLA G Janardhana Reddy and B Sriramulu being set on fire. The incident occurred at the G Square Layout on Belagal Road in Ballari around 10.30 pm on Friday.
According to the police, the accused, who are between 18 and 32 years old, had gone to the model house to make a reel and accidentally set it on fire while smoking. The fire caused significant damage to the property, with an estimated loss of Rs 1.25 crore.
The police have identified two of the accused as Sohail @ Sahil (18), a tailor, and Astam @ Suresh (32), a fancy store owner, both from Cowl Bazaar in Ballari. The other six accused are minors.
Janardhan Reddy has alleged that the fire was set by supporters of Congress MLA Nara Bharat Reddy, who had been involved in a banner dispute with him earlier. Reddy has demanded action against the accused and has accused Bharat Reddy of being involved in the incident.
The police have registered a case and are investigating the matter. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has also visited the scene and collected evidence.
The incident led to protests by BJP leaders, who have demanded action against the accused. Former minister Sriramulu and former MLA Somasekhar Reddy also visited the scene and condemned the incident.
Ballari SP Dr Suman D Pennnekar stated that a case has been registered at Ballari Rural police station. “The fire is believed to have been caused by a group of people, and the police have taken eight individuals, including six minors, into custody. The accused are suspected to have come to the model house for a photo shoot and reel, and the fire is likely to have been sparked by a cigarette. The police are investigating the incident and have collected evidence from the scene”.
The SP stated that the valuables mentioned in the complaint were not found to be damaged or stolen. “The model house is located in a layout that does not have CCTV cameras or security personnel and it is not a residential property. The police are taking steps to ensure that no illicit activities take place in vacant layouts in the area”, she said.
