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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Minister Patil chairs industry meetings to chart growth for key sectors in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Tuesday chaired meetings with industry representatives from the aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto/EV, and green energy sectors to discuss sector growth and government support measures.
The meetings were attended by leading industrialists and their representatives, with some participating virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister for Large and Medium Industries said Karnataka is at the forefront of the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.
He noted that Suzuki and Toyota plan to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplying electrical equipment for the project.
Industrialists suggested introducing similar “fly-taxi” services in Karnataka through an appropriate policy, which Patil said would be examined seriously.
The minister highlighted the need to establish testing centres and Common Facility Centres for the aerospace and defence industries and assured that these facilities would be provided.
Suggestions were also made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for sector growth.
Karnataka has urged the Central Government to approve Defence Corridor projects in the Bengaluru North–Kolar–Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi regions.
Industrialists also suggested a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru, Patil said.
He said Karnataka aims to become a hub for defence electronics manufacturing, with plans to establish a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park.
These projects will be implemented once the Special Investment Region is operational, and land availability will not be an issue.
On the machine tools sector, Patil said the industry has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore and is witnessing steady growth.
Large-scale exhibitions have increased demand, and the state must strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery. One testing unit is already operational in Bengaluru, with another planned for Tumakuru. Expansion of vocational training institutes in industrial areas is also underway.
In the Auto and EV sector, Vision Group members highlighted the need for a network of dry ports and more EV charging stations across the state.
Patil noted that the Tata Group is manufacturing EV buses in Dharawada for nationwide supply. Plans for mini excavator production and export facilitation were also discussed, along with the establishment of a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs.
For the Green Energy sector, the group emphasised the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage and the establishment of data centres.
Patil assured that the government will seriously consider all suggestions and respond positively.
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