Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (MS)
Beltangady, May 19: Beltangady MLA Harish Poonja is facing charges for allegedly interfering in a police investigation related to the illegal storage of dangerous explosives. The Beltangady police station has registered a case against him under IPC sections 353 and 504.
The case (AC 57/2024) against MLA Harish Poonja stems from an incident on the night of May 18, when he, along with several others, visited the Beltangady police station. They were pressuring the officials to release Shashiraj Shetty, a rowdy-sheeter, BJP Yuva Morcha leader and one of the main accused in an illegal quarrying and mining case. Shashiraj Shetty was detained following the discovery of dangerous explosives at Melanthabettu, under the jurisdiction of Beltangady police station.
An earlier FIR (ACR 56/2024) had been filed against Pramod Ujire and Shashiraj Shetty (35) on May 18, in connection with the case. They were charged under Section 9B(1)(b) of the Explosives Act, 1884, and Clause 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908. Shashiraj Shetty, a registered rowdy-sheeter at Beltangady police station, was taken into custody.
According to the FIR, MLA Harish Poonja verbally threatened the police, interfered with their duties, and made unconstitutional statements about the police department and its officers. The police have accused him of misbehavior and exerting undue pressure to secure the illegal release of Shashiraj Shetty, a known party worker.
In response to these actions, the Beltangady police have registered a case against MLA Harish Poonja, citing his obstruction of government duties and verbal abuse of police officials. The investigation into the illegal quarrying operation and the related explosives case is ongoing, with further legal actions anticipated.