Attempt to attack MLA Harish Poonja: One arrested

Bantwal: One accused has been taken into custody on Friday in connection with the attack attempt on Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja, police said.

Dakshina Kannada District Superintendent of Police Rishikesh Bhagwan Sonawane said that Riyaz (38), a resident of Falnir in Mangaluru was arrested and the Scorpio vehicle allegedly used for the crime has been seized.

The SP told reporters that there were no criminal antecedents registered against the accused. Also, no weapon was found in his possession when he was taken into custody. Further investigation is underway, he added.

Poonja’s car driver Naveen has filed a police complaint at the Bantwal Rural Police station. According to the complaint, the attack took place when the MLA was traveling to Belthangady from Mangalore Airport on the night of October 13.

When they reached Farangipete, a few miscreants waylaid Poonja’s official vehicle, brandished swords, and tried to attack the MLA. Luckily, Harish Poonja was traveling in his relative’s car while the MLA’s official vehicle was following them, the complaint said.