Dakshina Kannada district: Mobiles, spanner seized from accused who way laid MLA’s car

MANGALURU: Dakshina Kannada district police have intensified their investigation into the case, in which Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja’s car was waylaid, and the driver allegedly threatened on Thursday.
The police had taken Riyaz,38, from Falnir in Mangaluru into custody on Friday. The car involved in the incident was seized by the authorities.
Dakshina Kannada SP Rishikesh Sonawane said on Saturday, that a search was conducted at the residence of the accused. He said that two mobile phones and a spanner were seized from the SUV of the accused. “The tool was used by the accused to threaten the complainant. He waved the spanner while abusing the complainant. An investigation is on,” the SP said.
Meanwhile, Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said that he has directed the police not to take the case lightly. “According to NIA reports, people from Kerala are involved in ISI and PFI activities in Mangaluru. I have directed the SP and home minister for a thorough investigation. We should not take small incidents lightly, which may have serious consequences in the future,” said Kateel.
Minister for fisheries, ports and inland water transport S Angara also demanded an in-depth probe into the case, and sait that an organised network is trying to disrupt peace in the coastal belt. The police department has been directed to conduct a comprehensive probe and trace those behind such acts, he said.