Ballari clash: Congress gives ₹25 lakh compensation to victim’s family

The Congress handed over ₹25 lakh as compensation to the family of Rajashekhar, a party worker who was killed in the recent violence linked to the Valmiki banner dispute in Ballari.

District in-charge Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, along with Ballari MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and Kampli MLA J.N. Ganesh, visited the residence of the deceased at Hussain Nagar in Ballari on Saturday and handed over the compensation.

Speaking to the family members, Mr. Khan said arrangements would be made to construct a house for the family and advised them to use part of the compensation to start a small business for their livelihood.

Later addressing reporters, the Minister said that Rajashekhar’s death in the recent clash had deeply saddened the party leadership.

Describing him as the main support system of the family, Mr. Khan said Rajashekhar had been the eldest son and the breadwinner. He noted that while the loss of life could not be compensated, the party had extended financial assistance as a gesture of support and solidarity.

Mr. Khan also said that the Congress president had promised further assistance to the family. He added that, as per the family’s request, efforts would be made to construct a house for them under the Slum Board housing scheme.

Local corporator Peram Vivek, party office-bearers and several Congress workers were present during the visit.

Meanwhile, speaking in Bengaluru, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that Ballari was peaceful until former Minister and BJP leader G. Janardhan Reddy stepped into the city. He said that the culprits of Ballari violence would be brought to justice.

“We have formed a committee from the party under the leadership of H.M. Revanna to study the incident,” he added.