NewsFlash Daily™
19 April 
Allegations of JCB-led demolition on disputed private land near Mahalingeshwara Temple trigger FIR, legal heat intensifies as MLA’s role comes under scanner
Mangaluru: In a politically explosive development from coastal Karnataka, Puttur Congress MLA Ashok Rai has landed in legal trouble after allegedly participating in the unauthorized demolition of private buildings using a JCB machine near the famous Mahalingeshwara Temple in Puttur.
The incident has triggered public debate and legal scrutiny, with a formal complaint filed at the Puttur Police Station against temple authorities and those involved in the demolition.
MLA Allegedly Operated JCB Himself
According to local reports, the demolition took place on private land located adjacent to the renowned Mahalingeshwara Temple in the Dakshina Kannada district.
Eyewitness claims suggest that MLA Ashok Rai himself was present at the site and allegedly operated the JCB during the demolition drive, flattening private structures in the disputed area.
The visuals and allegations have since become a major talking point across the region.
“The MLA’s direct involvement has turned a local land issue into a full political controversy.”
Temple Fair Cited as Reason for Demolition
Sources said the action was allegedly justified on grounds of creating additional space for the annual Mahalingeshwara Jatre, where over 30,000 devotees gather for divine and cultural celebrations every year.
It was reportedly argued that lack of open space during the festival necessitated removal of the buildings.
However, critics say festival arrangements cannot override property rights or legal procedures.
Court Permission Claim Under Question
Those involved in the demolition allegedly claimed that court permission had been obtained for clearing the structures.
But reports indicate that no explicit court order was issued authorising demolition of the buildings, making the operation highly controversial.
This contradiction has now become the core of the legal dispute.
Land Was Under Court Receiver Control
The property is reportedly under litigation among private owners regarding partition and ownership rights.
Due to the dispute, the court had earlier appointed Kedige Aravind Rao as Court Receiver, placing the land under his official supervision until the case is resolved.
The alleged forced entry and demolition on land under court custody has intensified the seriousness of the matter.
Complaint Filed, FIR Registered
Court Receiver Kedige Aravind Rao has filed a complaint at Puttur Police Station.
Based on the complaint, an FIR has been registered against the temple administrative representative (Moktesar), Ishwar Bhat.
Police are now examining video evidence, site records and witness statements.
Since the MLA was allegedly present and directly involved at the demolition site, police have reportedly approached the court seeking permission to include Ashok Rai’s name in the FIR.
Further legal developments are expected in the coming days.
