Hubballi Gym Trainer Handed to Police Amid 'Love Jihad' Allegations and Family Feud
In a dramatic incident in Hubballi, Hindu activists have handed over a gym trainer to the police, alleging an attempted 'love jihad' and atrocities against a woman he knew. The trainer, identified as Sameer Mulla, was reportedly assaulted before being taken into custody, sparking a series of legal actions and family clashes.
Multiple Cases Filed in the Controversy
The situation has escalated with multiple cases being filed. The woman's family has lodged a complaint of sexual harassment, while Mulla's kin have filed a kidnapping case. Additionally, Hindu activists have submitted a separate case citing 'love jihad', though police have firmly denied this angle, asserting it is purely a family feud.
Complainant's Allegations of Harassment and Blackmail
According to reports, a 20-year-old woman was introduced to Sameer Mulla by his elder sister, Taiseem Mulla. The complainant stated, "Later, he invited me to birthday and weekend parties. As I got closer to him, he took me to his residence once and offered some juice laced with drugs. Once I fell unconscious, he raped me. He made a video recording of the act and continued to blackmail me." This video clip allegedly prompted Hindu activists to intervene.
Violent Confrontations and Assaults
Upon learning about the incident and the video, Hindu activists rushed to Mulla's house, assaulted him, and took him to the Old Hubballi police station. In retaliation, Mulla's associates, believing the perpetrators were from the woman's family, went to her house in Vikas Nagar and assaulted her family members. They demanded Mulla's immediate release from custody.
The woman's mother added to the tension, saying, "He [Mulla] was harassing my daughter for the past few days. They even tried to set fire to our house." However, Mulla's sister offered a contrasting account, claiming the woman had been in a relationship with her brother for three years. "They had filmed their intimate moments. We do not have any intention to enforce 'love jihad' as we respect all religions," she stated.
Police Intervention and Clarification
Police Commissioner N Shashikumar clarified that this is not a case of 'love jihad', emphasizing that clashes occurred between two families over a personal dispute. "We protected the youth who was assaulted by some unknown people. We are pursuing a criminal case," Shashikumar explained. Mulla was later admitted to KMC RI Hospital for injuries sustained during the assault, as confirmed by his sister Taiseem, who said, "A large group of people came to our house and took my brother away. We were clueless about the whereabouts of Sameer for two hours."
The incident highlights the complexities of personal disputes being misconstrued as communal issues, with police urging calm and focusing on legal proceedings to resolve the matter.
