This is a first for Karnataka in this case, there is no FIR or warrant: R K Dutta

Bengaluru: While the Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution to imprison journalists Ravi Belagere and Anil Raj, the police seem to be clueless as to how to proceed with the House's order. Meanwhile, advocate Shankarappa, representing both the journalists at the High Court, said that if the police arrest his clients without an FIR, it will amount to illegal detention and a case will be filed against the policemen.

It's almost a week after the House passed a resolution on arresting the two editors based on the recommendation of the Breach of Privilege Committee. But, the police have apparently not found a way out on taking the order further. It was said that state police chief, DG & IGP R.K. Dutta, had written to Advocate General Madhusudhan R. Naik, seeking advice on proceeding further with the case. But Mr Naik denied that he had received any such letter. Repeated calls to Mr Dutta went in vain.

It is learnt that the police do not want to get into trouble as the case is complicated. "In a normal case, there will be a compliant, an FIR or a court warrant to arrest a person. But in this case, there is no FIR or warrant. This is a first for Karnataka and it will take us some time to figure out the legal aspects," said a senior police officer, on condition of anonymity.

In fact, a city police team, which was waiting at the hospital where Mr Belagere was admitted in Dharwad to arrest him, surprisingly did not even make an effort to detain him while he walked out of the hospital and went off in his car on Monday night. 

This has raised questions whether the policemen are really willing to implement the House's resolution. Meanwhile, Mr Shankarappa clarified that the police will have to face the consequences if they arrest his clients. 

“If at all the police arrest Mr Belagere or Mr Raj, we will fight it legally and a case will be filed against those who arrested them, as it clearly amounts to illegal detention. How can one be arrested without an FIR," he questioned.