Bulldozer Raj: Puttur MLA Ashok Rai illegally enters private property, bulldozes structures

Bengaluru

In what appears to be a clear case of contempt of court, Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, along with others, allegedly trespassed into a disputed private property and unlawfully demolished multiple structures. The property measuring 9.79 acre is located in front of the Women Police Station. 

A formal complaint has been filed at the Puttur Town Police Station by a court-appointed receiver. However, the police are yet to register a First Information Report (FIR), raising concerns over procedural delays.

The incident reportedly took place on April 14, 2026, when MLA Rai and Panjigudde Eshwar Bhat, President of the Management Committee of Mahalingeshwara Temple, allegedly hired a private bulldozer, entered the disputed premises, and carried out demolition activities. 

The property in question is currently under litigation and is on the verge of a final decree. It is under the custody of Aravind Rao Kedige, who has been appointed as a court receiver by the Civil Judge and JMFC, Bantwal, in Dakshina Kannada.

Sources indicate that prior to initiating the demolition, Rai cited a demolition order that allegedly does not exist. It is important to note that while a family of property shareholders had previously secured an eviction order against a private bar—an order that has already been executed—there are currently no demolition orders against the existing occupants, including shopkeepers operating on the land.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that several shopkeepers pleaded with the MLA and his associates to halt the demolition. Despite their appeals, the demolition continued. The shopkeepers reportedly presented a stay order issued by the court against their eviction. Rai is alleged to have proceeded in violation of this order as well.

Aravinda Rao Kedige strongly condemned the actions, stating that the conduct of the MLA and Eshwar Bhat is not only illegal but also constitutes contempt of court. Kedige said, “MLA has no authority to run a bulldozer into the property kept under his jurisdiction by the court. I have filed a complaint against the said act and the police have to register the FIR. Otherwise police will face stringent action by the court.”

Kedige further stated that Eshwar Bhat spoke to him in a rude manner despite his official capacity as a court-appointed authority. He emphasised that any developments related to the disputed property must be routed through him, as mandated by the court.

Responding to queries from blrpost.com, Ashok Rai defended the demolition, stating that it would ultimately benefit the family involved. When questioned about his legal authority to carry out the demolition, he said the action was undertaken to widen the road for a temple fair ritual. He admitted that he had not consulted Kedige prior to the demolition but claimed he was in touch with Jagannivas Rao. He added that he was informed that Jagannivas Rao was mediating with Kedige.

Meanwhile, officials at the Puttur Town Police Station confirmed that they have received the complaint and are currently seeking legal opinion on the matter. The police stated that an FIR will be registered only after obtaining the necessary legal clarification.