Belthangady: Police arrived at the residence of MLA Harish Poonja to arrest him in connection with the FIR registered against him for allegedly verbally abusing and threatening the cops of Belathangady station and staging a protest without obtaining permission.
As the cops arrived, high drama unfolded at his residence in Gardardi village. Poonja’s advocate, Shambu Shankar, is holding continuous discussions with the police.
He stated that his client, MLA Poonja, has not received a notice from the police to appear for an inquiry. It is illegal to summon someone for an inquiry without serving notice. He mentioned that two FIRs have been lodged against him, and in those FIRs, some sections are non-bailable. As per the Supreme Court, it is not inevitable to arrest someone in cases which attract less than seven years of punishment. However, in rare cases, there is provision for arrest, but it is not warranted in all cases.
Through a police constable, notice could be served. What is the requirement of senior police officers arriving at his client’s residence, he questioned, and alleged that this is a conspiracy to arrest Poonja.
As the arrest threat looms large over Poonja, senior BJP leaders from the district will be visiting his house. Former MP Nalinkumar Kateel, Brijesh Chowtha, and others are on their way, said sources.
