Dakshina Kannada Women’s Police have apprehended a 21-year-old man accused of sexually exploiting a young woman and causing her pregnancy.
Officials identified the suspect as Krishna J Rao, son of Jagannivas Rao, who is a BJP leader and a member of the Puttur City Municipal Council. He was traced and taken into custody in T Narsipur, Mysuru, after reportedly evading authorities.
Investigators stated that Krishna had built a romantic involvement with the woman by assuring her he would marry her. However, when she conceived, he allegedly declined to fulfil the promise.
The victim, who had known the accused since their school days, lodged an official complaint at the Puttur Women’s Police Station on June 24. She delivered the baby merely three days later, on June 27.
Following the First Information Report, Krishna disappeared, prompting a search operation.
The incident rapidly escalated into a political controversy. Congress leaders criticised the BJP and Sangh Parivar for staying silent and not extending any help or condemnation. The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) also organised a demonstration in Puttur to demand justice for the survivor.
Amid rising tensions and public outcry, the woman’s mother stepped forward to address the media, shedding light on the ordeal her daughter faced and appealing for action.
The case continues to draw widespread attention and has intensified the debate over accountability and political influence in such sensitive matters.