Controversy erupts over demolition of rented house on Temple land; Complaint filed against MLA Ashok Kumar Rai

Controversy erupts over demolition of rented house on Temple land; Complaint filed against MLA Ashok Kumar Rai

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, February 4, 2025: A complaint has been filed against MLA Ashok Kumar Rai and Eshwar Bhat Panjigudde, President of the Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple Management Committee, accusing them of unlawfully demolishing a rented property located on temple-owned land. The complainant, Vijay Raghavendra, son of the late Jayashree Holla, submitted the grievance to the Superintendent of Police, Dakshina Kannada.

 

According to the complaint, the disputed land was initially leased by the temple to Vijay’s grandfather, Vishnayya Holla. After Vishnayya’s death, his son Ganapathi Vishnu Holla continued to reside on the property, followed by his wife, Sharadamma. Over the years, several buildings were constructed on the land, with the Puttur Municipality officially assigning house numbers to these structures.

In 1998–99, the rental agreement was transferred from Sharadamma to Vijay’s mother, Jayashree Holla. After her recent passing, Vijay continued to pay rent to the temple. However, on February 3, under the alleged orders of MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, Eshwar Bhat and his associates reportedly used a JCB to demolish the buildings.

Copies of the complaint have been sent to the Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Police Inspector, Town Sub-Inspector, Municipal Commissioner, State Human Rights Commission, and the Commissioner of the Religious Endowments Department.