Rape victim gives birth: Accused arrested; Puttur MLA Ashok Rai visit the victim

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, July 5, 2025: MLA Ashok Kumar Rai confirmed that Krishna Rao, the accused in the case involving a young student giving birth, has been arrested.

The MLA visited the victim’s residence on Saturday, spoke with her mother, and later addressed the media.

“As soon as I informed the SP, a team was formed and the search for the accused was launched. He was arrested around 8 PM on Friday,” Rai said.

He urged that such sensitive matters should not be politicized and emphasized the need to focus on the future of both the victim and her child. “Even if a leader from another political party were in my place, they might have used it for political gain. But I have not. Our only intention is to help the couple unite and lead a life together,” he stated.

Referring to remarks made by Arun Kumar Puthila, Rai expressed disappointment: “I’m not sure if he spoke with full understanding of the issue. I have not used this matter for political mileage. However, the accused had worked with Mr. Puthila earlier. A related photo went viral yesterday, but I won’t comment on it. Our only focus should be on uniting the two individuals,” he added.

Leaders including Kavu Hemanath Shetty, Krishnaprasad Alva, Nihal Shetty, and Jayaprakash Badinaru were present.