HUBBALLI, April 7, 2026 — Amid heightened tensions following protests by Hindutva outfits claiming that gyms in the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad have turned into centres of “love jihad,” Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar on Monday chaired a high-level meeting with gymnasium owners and trainers. He issued strict directives aimed at enhancing security and preventing any misuse of such facilities.
The meeting, held at the Police Commissioner’s office, was convened in direct response to two recent cases of alleged harassment of young women that surfaced in the past week. Hindutva groups, including Sri Rama Sene and members of the Hindu Jana Jagruti Samiti’s Ranaragini outfit, staged protests outside police stations and at the residences of the accused, describing the incidents as systematic “love jihad” operations targeting Hindu girls through gyms. They demanded stricter oversight of gym trainers and raised concerns over inadequate CCTV surveillance and the hiring of individuals with questionable backgrounds.
# Background: Two Cases Spark Protests
The first case erupted on April 3 when a 23-year-old gym trainer, Sameer Mulla, who works at a gym in Vijayanagar (reportedly Muscle Factory), was allegedly assaulted and forcibly taken from his home in Rajnagar by members of the girl’s family and Hindu activists belonging to the SSK Samaj (Pattegar community). The 20-year-old Hindu girl and her mother filed complaints with Vidyanagar police accusing Sameer of rape, blackmail, and sexual harassment. According to the girl’s social media video, Sameer allegedly drugged her with an intoxicant-laced drink, recorded videos, and assaulted her. Hindu activists claimed he had trapped multiple girls using similar tactics.
Sameer’s family, including his sister Taiseem, countered that the pair had been in a consensual relationship for three years. They alleged the girl’s family and community members kidnapped and assaulted Sameer after forcing her to file a false complaint. Sameer himself appeared in a video claiming the allegations were fabricated under pressure. Police registered multiple cases, including one against 65 unidentified persons for the assault on Sameer. He sustained minor injuries and was treated at KMC Hospital.
A second case surfaced days later involving Mufeez (or Mufiz) Miyanavar, a Dharwad-based youth and regular at a local gym. A 23-year-old woman from Hubballi filed a complaint at Keshwapur police station accusing him of sexual assault and exploitation after they met in college. Mufeez was promptly arrested and remanded in judicial custody. The woman later clarified in a video that she had been coerced into recording a statement about marriage intentions and visiting a sub-registrar’s office. Police have registered cases under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Police Commissioner Shashikumar has consistently maintained that both incidents are being treated as criminal matters involving personal disputes, harassment, and assault, rather than organised “love jihad.” He personally monitored developments, visited the hospital, and assured a thorough, impartial probe based on evidence. Four cases have been registered in total across the two incidents.
# Strict Instructions Issued at Gym Owners’ Meeting
On Monday, April 6, Commissioner Shashikumar, accompanied by Deputy Commissioners of Police Raveesh C.R. and Shruthi N.S., and Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Commissioner Rudresh Ghali, addressed gym owners, trainers, and representatives of the Hubli-Dharwad Gym Association and Dharwad District Body Builders Association.
He issued clear, non-negotiable guidelines:
- All gyms must install CCTV cameras with voice recording capability in all areas to ensure transparency and deter misconduct.
- Gym owners must not hire trainers with any criminal background and must verify antecedents thoroughly.
- Strict adherence to security protocols and basic guidelines for customer safety was emphasised, with owners warned of strict action for non-compliance.
The Commissioner also gave a patient hearing to grievances from gym owners and trainers, who expressed concern that the actions of a few individuals were tarnishing the reputation of the entire fitness industry. He assured them of police support in addressing legitimate issues.
A bodybuilder and gym trainer addressed the gathering, while office-bearers of the Dharwad District Body Builders Association later held a press conference demanding swift punishment for the guilty but appealed against painting all gyms in a negative light.
# Reactions and Political Overtones
Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Mutalik demanded withdrawal of cases against Hindutva activists involved in the assault on Sameer Mulla and threatened a “Hubballi Bandh.” Expelled BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal visited the victim’s family and alleged involvement of “terrorist outfits.” Members of Hindu organisations submitted memorandums demanding the case be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
On the other side, the local Congress unit accused the BJP of orchestrating a “toolkit” to politicise personal disputes ahead of Assembly bypolls.
Nagesh Kalburgi, former chairman of Hubballi-Dharwad Urban Development Authority and SSK community leader, termed the first incident a “Gym Love Jihad” and urged stringent police action.
As investigations continue, the police have appealed for calm and urged all parties to cooperate with the probe. The Commissioner’s proactive step of engaging directly with the gym fraternity is being seen as an attempt to restore public confidence in fitness centres while sending a strong message against any form of exploitation.
The developments have once again spotlighted concerns over interfaith relationships, safety in public spaces, and the role of gyms in urban social interactions in Karnataka. Police have assured that further updates will be provided as the cases progress.
For More News Updates Follow Us On www.tconews.in
