Karnataka: BJP MLA Harish Poonja Booked For 'Threatening' Police Over Party Worker's Arrest

The police stated that records show the arrest of Promod Ujire and Shashiraj Shetty on May 18 for allegedly stocking large quantity of explosives and projectiles intended for use in illegal quarries.

The police have filed an FIR against Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja for allegedly attempting to coerce and influence the Belthangady police inspector and other officers to release two individuals accused in an illegal quarrying case. Detailing the sequence of events that led to the FIR against the MLA, police stated on Monday that records show the arrest of Promod Ujire and Shashiraj Shetty on May 18 for allegedly stockpiling a large quantity of explosives and projectiles intended for use in illegal quarries.

As per police reports, during the night of May 18, Poonja, accompanied by several of his supporters, purportedly entered the police station and demanded the immediate release of Ujire and Shetty without any charges. When the authorities declined, the MLA purportedly intimidated them and engaged in heated arguments, according to a report on PTI.

Ujire and Shetty were operating a mining site in Melantabettu which falls under the jurisdiction of the Beltangadi police station. A case has been lodged against MLA Poonja under the Explosives Act of 1884 and pertinent sections of the Indian Penal Code for alleged misconduct at the Beltangadi police station.

The FIR alleged that Poonja and his followers purportedly hindered and intimidated government officials in the execution of their official duties.

Harish Poonja has also previously faced charges of obstructing officials. In October 2023, he was accused of verbally abusing a forest official who was clearing encroachments in forest land, leading to the filing of an FIR against him.

Uppinangady range forest officer K.K. Jayaprakash filed a complaint against Poonja. The complaint stated that when department officials were clearing a property allegedly constructed on forest land in Kalenja village, the MLA arrived at the scene and questioned the officials. This resulted in a heated argument, during which Poonja used offensive language against the officials.