Karnataka gym trainer assaulted over relationship; police reject 'love jihad' claims

Hubballi: A 23-year-old Muslim gym trainer, Sameer Mulla, was allegedly dragged from his home and assaulted on Friday morning in Old Hubballi, police said. The incident stems from a family dispute over his three-year relationship with a local girl, not "love jihad" as claimed by some Hindutva groups.

The confrontation unfolded between 8-9 am when the girl's relatives arrived at Mulla's house, leading to an altercation. They took him away briefly before he was brought to the police station. His family then visited the girl's home, sparking further clashes. Mulla sustained minor injuries and is under hospital treatment.

City Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar dismissed "love jihad" allegations—a right-wing term alleging Muslim men lure Hindu women for conversion—as baseless. "For us, it is a criminal case, and we will investigate accordingly," he said.

Mulla's sister, Taiseem, alleged a large group forcibly took her brother around 7 am, beat him, and circulated their photos online beforehand. She demanded strict action, emphasizing her family's respect for all religions.

The girl's mother, Rajeshwari, countered that Sameer and his family had "hypnotized and harassed" her daughter for days, even threatening to torch their home with petrol, hockey sticks, and swords. She denied any relationship.

Police have launched an investigation, probing claims from both sides.

(Inputs from PTI)