Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

1. Ballari clash: Case booked against Janardhan Reddy, 10 others in banner row; heavy security deployed

Police have registered a case against Gangavathi MLA and former Minister Gali Janardhan Reddy, and 10 others in connection with the clash that broke out near his residence in Avvambhavi area of Ballari on the evening of January 1, 2025. A Congress worker was killed in the clash over the installation of banners, even as the city remained under heavy police security following back-to-back incidents of violence.

The FIR was registered around 1 a.m. on January 2 at Brucepet police station based on a complaint filed by Chanal Shekhar, an associate of Ballari City MLA Nara Bharath Reddy. Mr. Janardhan Reddy has been named as Accused No.1 in the case, while his brother Somasekhar Reddy is listed as Accused No. 2. Former minister B. Sriramulu is Accused No.3, and Ballari City Corporation opposition leader Motkar Srinivas as Accused No.4. In all, 11 persons have been named in the FIR.

2. Sriramulu seeks High Court or CBI probe into firing that killed youth, B.Y. Vijayendra alleges ‘goondaism’

BJP leader B. Sriramulu demanded a probe by either a High Court judge or the CBI into the firing incident in Ballari in which a 26-year-old Rajasekhar was killed following a clash over the installation of banners. Mr. Sriramulu expressed deep anguish over the death of Rajasekhar and said such incidents were unacceptable irrespective of the victim’s political affiliation.

Holding Ballari MLA Bharath Reddy responsible for the incident, the former minister alleged that the clash was the result of deliberate provocation and misuse of youth for political ends. He also alleged that private gunmen associated with Mr. Satish Reddy, Mr. Bharath close associate, opened fire during the chaos and added that a bullet of .76 mm calibre had been recovered.

Strongly criticising the Congress over the violence, BJP State unit president B.Y. Vijayendra alleged that the incident reflected what he described as a “goonda raj” prevailing in Karnataka. He claimed that a large number of Congress workers and supporters had taken to the streets holding swords, machetes and sticks, creating fear and disorder in Ballari.

3. Carcass of pregnant leopard found on the outskirts of Bengaluru

The carcass of a pregnant leopard, which died a few days ago, has been found by the forest department while on patrol in the outskirts of Bengaluru. Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre said the female leopard, aged between three to four years, was found on December 27, 2025 in the Basavanatara forest area of Kaggalipura zone which falls under Bengaluru Urban Division.

“During the post-mortem examination, it was found that there were three cubs in the leopard’s stomach. It is estimated that the leopard died due to a large rock explosion from a nearby quarry and a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in this regard, this office has been informed,” Mr. Khandre said.

4. Chamundi Hill walk to raise alarm over ecological concerns

Chamundi Hill, an iconic landmark of Mysuru and a revered religious centre, is also a protected forest area rich in flora, fauna and birdlife. However, environmentalists have raised serious concerns that the hill is gradually losing both its ecological balance and spiritual sanctity due to unrestrained commercialisation and ‘unscientific’ projects.

In view of these concerns, Mysuru-based organisation ‘Parisarakkagi Naavu’ (We for the Environment) has launched a series of initiatives aimed at safeguarding Chamundi hill. The first of these is a peaceful walk, which will be held on January 4 to highlight the risks faced by the hill ecosystem.