Arrest drama in Belthangadi: MLA Harish Poonja issued notice after day-long standoff

The day-long high drama involving the arrest process of MLA Harish Poonja culminated in the police issuing two notices for him to attend a hearing. The incident, which unfolded from early morning until late evening, centered around two cases linked to the arrest of BJP leader Shashiraj Shetty and a verbal altercation between MLA Harish Poonja and the police during a protest.

On the evening of May 21, police registered a case and subsequently arrived at MLA Poonja’s residence early on May 22 for his arrest. This unexpected move drew the attention of legal representatives, district MLAs, local leaders, and thousands of activists who quickly gathered in support of the MLA.

Intense negotiations between the police and the MLA’s advocates lasted for over an hour. The activists, who gathered in front of the MLA’s house, alleged that there was political pressure on the police, and expressed their outrage by shouting slogans.

To ensure order, four Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) squads were deployed in the Gardadi area. Police personnel, including the Sub-Inspectors and the circle inspectors, were also assigned to the location. Dakshina Kannada Superintendent Rishyant CB is also arriving at the scene to oversee the situation.

Sources said that despite arriving without an arrest warrant, the police have now prepared supplementary documents for the arrest. The heavy police presence and preparations indicate the seriousness of the situation.

Several prominent BJP leaders were present at MLA Poonja’s house, including Capt Brijesh Chowta, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, District BJP President Satish Kumpala, and MLAs Vedavyas Kamath, Rajesh Naik, Umanatha Kotian, Sanjeeva Matandoor, Pratapasimha Naik, and Ganesh Karnik.

The legal arguments were led by advocates Shambhu Sharma Mangaluru, Subrahmanya Kumar Agartha, and Anil Kumar.

Belthangadi has now emerged as a significant battleground with the attempted arrest of an MLA drawing widespread attention.