Belthangady: Police file chargesheet against MLA Harish Poonja

Beltangady: Police have submitted a charge sheet against MLA Harish Poonja to the Special Court for Elected Representatives in Bengaluru on May 28.

This follows an investigation into two cases against him after he protested at the police station against the arrest of a BJP worker for alleged illegal mining.

The charge sheet was filed by Puttur Police Inspector Satish G. J., who headed the special investigation team appointed by the Superintendent of Police.

On May 18, Beltangady police registered a case under illegal mining and explosives laws against BJP Yuva Morcha leaders Shashiraj Shetty and Pramod Ujire. MLA Poonja protested at the police station, alleging that Shashiraj was wrongfully arrested at midnight from his home.

During this protest, Poonja allegedly obstructed police duty and used unconstitutional language against the officers, leading to the first case against him.

The second case was filed after Poonja allegedly made derogatory remarks against police officers, the tahsildar, and government staff during a protest by BJP Mandal at the Beltangady Adalitha Soudha on May 20. When police issued a notice to Poonja on May 22 to appear for questioning, a large crowd gathered at his residence.

In response, the Superintendent of Police held a press conference at the Dharmasthala police station on May 27, clarifying the actions taken against Poonja. Following this, the special investigation team completed its inquiry and submitted the charge sheet to the Special Court for Elected Representatives.