Backward classes commission steps in to Puttur love case, alleges ₹50 lakh inducement

Mangaluru:The controversial case involving Puttur BJP leader Jagannivasa Rao’s son, Krishna J. Rao, accused of cheating a young woman after promising marriage, has taken a significant turn with the intervention of the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission. Commission member Pratibha Kulai on Friday alleged that the accused’s family attempted to offer a ₹50 lakh inducement to the victim to avoid marriage and withdraw legal proceedings.

Addressing a press conference at the Mangaluru Press Club along with the victim Pooja, her mother and the infant, Kulai said DNA test results have conclusively established Krishna J. Rao as the biological father of the child. Despite this scientific proof, the accused has allegedly refused to marry the woman and instead initiated “compromise talks” centred around monetary compensation.

Kulai stated that during negotiations, the accused’s family allegedly imposed “unacceptable conditions”, including placing the child in a shelter home, marrying Pooja only temporarily and later seeking a divorce, and paying ₹50 lakh as compensation if all cases were withdrawn. “We do not want money. We want social justice,” Kulai asserted. She added that if Krishna J. Rao agrees to marry Pooja genuinely, she herself is ready to give ₹50 lakh, challenging him to come as a ‘ghar jamai’ (resident son-in-law).

Condemning the alleged attempt to reduce the issue to a financial settlement, Kulai said the door for compromise has now been firmly shut. She announced that steps will be taken to approach the Mangaluru court seeking cancellation of the bail granted to Krishna J. Rao. She also said the commission would pursue the matter legally until justice is delivered to the woman and the child.

Highlighting the precarious condition of the infant, Kulai announced that a naming ceremony has been planned on January 24 at Kalladka. She said the choice of venue is symbolic, calling upon political, social and religious leaders who often speak about Hindu unity to stand by the victim in her hour of distress. “This struggle will begin from Kalladka, a major political and organisational centre,” she said.

Questioning the accused’s conduct, Kulai asked why Krishna J. Rao was rejecting Pooja after being in a relationship with her for nearly eight years. “There is no justification for abandoning her after a child is born. She is not weak. She has suffered immense mental trauma and even attempted suicide,” she said, adding that collective support would be extended to rebuild her life.

Kulai also made an emotional appeal to Hindu leader Arun Kumar Puthila, urging him to facilitate justice by ensuring marriage and dignity for the victim, rather than limiting celebrations to symbolic religious events.