Belthangady: Heavy police presence at MLA Harish Poonja’s residence, arrest imminent?

Belthangady: Police are reportedly readying to arrest MLA Harish Poonja in a case related to obstructing police from discharging their duty.

A substantial police force was deployed at Poonja’s residence on the morning of May 22.  Public access to his house was restricted. A police cordon was also placed on the road leading to his residence.

As news of the imminent arrest spread, activists have begun gathering in front of Poonja’s house.

An FIR had been filed against Harish Poonja, accusing him of attempting to coerce and influence the Belthangadi police inspector and other personnel to release two individuals accused in an illegal quarrying case.

Police had said that on the night of May 18, MLA Poonja, accompanied by several followers, allegedly entered the police station unannounced demanding the release of two accused in an illegal quarrying case and allegedly intimidated the officials and engaged in a heated argument with them.

On May 20, a second case was registered against Poonja and his supporters for protesting in front of the taluk administration office, thereby violating the Model Code of Conduct.