Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 5: In a significant breakthrough in the high-profile Puttur student pregnancy case, the Dakshina Kannada District women’s police have arrested the prime accused, Krishna J Rao (21), who had been absconding since the case was registered last month.
According to official sources, the case — registered on June 24 under Crime No. 49/2025 at the Dakshina Kannada Women’s Police Station—invoked sections 64(1) and 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. These sections deal with offences related to exploitation and sexual misconduct.
Police had launched an intensive manhunt after the accused went into hiding. Acting on credible intelligence, officers located Krishna Rao in T Narasipura, a town in Mysuru district, and took him into custody late on the night of July 4. He was then transported back to Mangaluru for further interrogation.
“The accused is currently being questioned, and legal proceedings are underway,” police sources confirmed.
The case came to light when a minor student gave birth unexpectedly, raising alarm across the Puttur region. The incident sparked outrage among local residents, civil society groups, and political leaders, with many demanding swift justice and stronger protection mechanisms for young girls.
Local MLA Ashok Kumar Rai also weighed in, urging leaders not to politicise the issue and focus instead on the future of the girl and the child. “Even though some tried to use the situation politically, I refrained from doing so. Our priority must be to protect the lives and dignity of those involved,” he stated in an earlier press briefing.