Daijiworld Media Network – Belthangady (EP)
Beltangady, May 22: MLA Harish Poonja surrendered before the Beltangady police at around 9:30 pm on Wednesday, May 22 and was interrogated at the station in connection with two cases registered against him. The had police initially went to Poonja's residence to bring him in for questioning and amid high drama by numerous BJP party workers protesting the arrest move, accused Harish Poonja had gone missing from home.
Meanwhile Dakshina Kannada MP Naleen Kumar Kateel, who was present at the scene, had intervened and personally requested the police to withdraw their forces from Poonja's house, assuring them that he would personally ensure Poonja's presence at the station. The police had left the scene after issuing notices to Poonja to appear in the station within the next three days for questioning.
As per his assurance, MP Kateel sent MLA Poonja to the police station, where he was interrogated regarding the cases.
The situation unfolded after Beltangady police, including the DySP and circle inspector, accompanied by KSRP personnel, arrived at Poonja's residence as part of their efforts to address the legal matters involving the MLA. This sparked significant controversy and tension in the area.
Poonja was interrogated under Case 58/2024, IPC sections 143, 147, 341, 504, 506 and 149 and later released on station bail.