Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 25: Chief minister Siddaramaiah asserted that the law applies equally to everyone, addressing concerns about alleged pressure from the Congress regarding the FIR filed against MLA Harish Poonja under section 353.
Speaking at Mangaluru International Airport on Saturday, May 25th, Siddaramaiah stated, "It is a non-bailable offense with a potential imprisonment of seven years. Can we overlook this simply because he is an MLA? There are two FIRs filed against him. Can he intimidate the police just because of his position?"
A case was registered against Poonja on May 19 after the MLA created a ruckus at Beltangady police station on the night of May 18 over the arrest of Shashiraj Shetty in connection with an illegal quarrying case. A second case was registered on May 21 against Poonja following a protest on May 20 without permission in front of Vikasa Soudha at Belthangady opposing the arrest of Shashiraj Shetty.
Poonja was released on May 22 night on station bail after he took part in the inquiry in connection with two cases registered against him.