Puttur cheating case: Mother threatens protest at Mahalingeshwara Temple flagpost seeking justice for daughter

Puttur cheating case: Mother threatens protest at Mahalingeshwara Temple flagpost seeking justice for daughter

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, Apr 3, 2026: The mother of a victim, Namita, has issued a strong statement saying that if justice is not delivered to her daughter, she will stage a protest by sitting in front of the flagpost of the Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple.

Speaking at a press conference today, she said that it has been a year since the incident, yet P.G. Jagannivas Rao continues to take part in religious activities without addressing the injustice done to her daughter by his son.

She alleged that Jagannivas Rao had earlier promised to arrange the marriage between his son Krishna J. Rao and the victim. Even after giving a written assurance, he had stated that the responsibility of conducting the marriage was his and that his decision at home would be final. For nine months, he continued to give such assurances, misleading them, she said. Now, the child is nearly 10 months old, but no steps have been taken to solemnise the marriage.

Despite all this, she said she had remained silent about his involvement in religious affairs so far. However, she now urged that Jagannivas Rao should no longer be allowed to participate in any religious activities. She questioned how he could continue temple-related duties despite being aware of his son’s wrongdoing.

She pointed out that Jagannivas Rao has been actively involved in temple activities, including chende (drum) performances, ritual duties, and other services, and had even taken a leading role during festival preparations.

Namita further stated that on April 10, during the flag hoisting ceremony of the Puttur temple festival, she would sit in protest in front of the temple flagpost seeking justice. She said she would appeal to the temple authorities, adding that only divine intervention seems capable of delivering justice now.

“I have pleaded with everyone so far to ensure my daughter’s marriage, but no one has come forward to help. Jagannivas Rao, who had promised to conduct the marriage, is now protecting his son despite his wrongdoing. Therefore, he should not be allowed to take part in any religious activities until justice is served to my daughter,” she said.