Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized on Saturday that the law applies equally to everyone, responding to allegations against BJP MLA Harish Poonja, who faces charges of allegedly intimidating the police. Siddaramaiah questioned whether Poonja should be exempt from the law just because he is an MLA.
An FIR has been filed under Section 353 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertains to assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from duty, in connection with the alleged police intimidation by Poonja. This section is non-bailable and carries a potential imprisonment term of seven years.
Addressing the opposition’s claim that the Congress is pushing for Poonja’s arrest, Siddaramaiah reiterated that the law is impartial. “An FIR has been registered under IPC 353, a non-bailable offence. Should the allegations against Harish Poonja be dismissed simply because he is an MLA?” Siddaramaiah questioned during a press conference.
Reacting to Poonja’s station bail, the Chief Minister noted that two cases of threatening the police have been filed against the BJP leader. He further questioned whether Poonja should be allowed to intimidate the police merely due to his MLA status. In the case of bailable offences, it is mandatory for the investigating officer to grant station bail.
According to police reports, the first case against Poonja involved allegedly pressuring the police to release a party worker arrested for illegal quarrying. The second case was filed after Poonja staged a protest at the Taluk office against the FIR lodged against him.
On May 18, Poonja reportedly stormed into the Belthangady police station demanding the release of Shashiraj Shetty. Consequently, Poonja was booked under various sections of the IPC. During a subsequent protest, Poonja allegedly abused local police officers and the Tahsildar and mocked the Superintendent of Police.
On May 22, after dramatic events at his residence, Poonja surrendered to the police and was questioned in connection with the cases. He was later released on station bail, according to police sources.
