Puttur: The Karnataka High Court has granted conditional bail to 21-year-old Shrikrishna J Rao of Bappalige, who was arrested on charges of sexually exploiting a woman under the false promise of marriage. The accused, son of BJP leader Jagannivas Rao, was released from jail on Thursday after completing the necessary legal formalities.
Case background
According to police reports, the survivor, a 21-year-old woman residing within the Puttur City Municipal Council limits, lodged a complaint earlier this year. She had recently completed her graduation from a Mangaluru-based college when she became acquainted with the accused.
Investigators said the two developed a relationship that turned physical after the accused allegedly assured her of marriage. However, matters took a serious turn when the woman became pregnant. The accused reportedly refused to marry her, prompting her to approach the authorities.
Following her complaint, a case was registered at the Dakshina Kannada women’s police station under charges of rape and breach of trust.
Arrest and custody
The accused was taken into custody on July 5 and had been lodged in jail since then. His arrest drew attention due to his political connections as the son of a BJP leader in the region. Police had filed preliminary evidence before the court, including the survivor’s medical examination reports and witness statements.
Bail conditions
After two months in custody, the Karnataka High Court granted conditional bail to Shrikrishna J Rao. While the exact conditions imposed have not been disclosed, such bail typically requires the accused to cooperate with the investigation, refrain from influencing witnesses, and appear before the investigating officer as and when required.
Legal experts note that conditional bail does not absolve the accused of charges but allows temporary release pending trial. The court’s order ensures that the judicial process continues while safeguarding the rights of the accused.
Community reaction
The case has triggered discussions in Puttur and surrounding areas, with many highlighting the vulnerability of young women who face exploitation under the guise of marriage promises. Women’s rights groups in Dakshina Kannada have stressed the importance of swift legal proceedings to ensure justice for survivors in such cases.
At the same time, some voices in the community emphasise the need to uphold due legal process and avoid premature judgments until the trial concludes.
Conclusion
With the granting of conditional bail, the case against Shrikrishna J Rao will now move into its next phase in court. The survivor’s testimony, coupled with medical and forensic evidence, is expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome. For now, the matter remains under judicial consideration, keeping public attention fixed on how the legal process unfolds in Puttur.