DK SP clarifies actions taken against MLA Harish Poonja amid chaotic incident in Belthangady
Belthangady: Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Rishyanth CB provided clarity on the recent disturbances involving local MLA Harish Poonja, addressing the legal actions taken and the ensuing chaos.
Speaking to reporters in Dharmasthala, SP Rishyanth explained that the initial measures followed legal procedures, with a notice issued for the first case and station bail granted for the second. Further actions will depend on the MLA’s response to the notice.
The SP recounted that three police officers were initially dispatched to MLA Poonja’s residence to bring him in for questioning. However, as a crowd began gathering outside the legislator’s house, additional police personnel were deployed. Local representatives noted the congestion on the narrow street and assured the authorities they would disperse their supporters, requesting the police to withdraw. Consequently, the officers were asked to leave, and the MLA was later taken to the police station for questioning, where he was granted station bail for one of the cases against him.
Regarding the ongoing investigation, SP Rishyanth mentioned that the police are determining whether the alleged illegal mining occurred on private or government land. If confirmed as private land, a case will be filed against the accused, who will also face arrest. During an inspection, quarry workers provided the tahsildar with information on the quarry’s ownership, leading to the arrest of one individual while another remains at large. The police are actively investigating and anticipate arresting the second person soon.
SP Rishyanth emphasized that the law must be upheld, regardless of an individual’s status as an elected representative. He criticized the gathering of large crowds to oppose the legal questioning of an MLA or to demand the withdrawal of a notice or case, stating that legal procedures and charges cannot be influenced by public demonstrations. The law, he reiterated, remains impartial and unaffected by the number of supporters an accused individual might have.
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3 dead, 1 injured as car overturns in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu
Jaipur (PTI): Three men were killed and another injured after a car overturned on Mandrella Road in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu on Sunday, police said.
The accident occurred when a stray animal came in front of the moving car, due to which the driver lost control over the vehicle, they said.
"The vehicle overturned, jumped several metres and fell into a farm. Three men travelling in the car died on the spot, while one was critically injured," the police said.
The deceased were identified as Vijay, Gaurav and Sunil, all residents of Jhunjhunu. The injured, Jitendra, was given primary treatment and later referred to Jaipur in a critical condition.
The police said the victims were returning from a bhajan programme in Sonasar.
