Hubballi, Karnataka, April 4, 2026 — Tension gripped parts of Hubballi on Friday after a 23-year-old Muslim gym trainer was allegedly assaulted by a group following accusations of “love jihad” in connection with his relationship with a Hindu girl, leading to clashes between the two families and a protest by Hindutva activists outside a police station.
The youth, identified as Sameer Mulla , a resident of Vijayanagar/Rajnagar area and a fitness trainer, was reportedly taken from his home by members of the girl’s family along with activists from Hindutva organisations. He was beaten up and then handed over to the Old Hubballi police station Sameer sustained injuries and was admitted to a hospital for treatment.
According to multiple reports, the incident stemmed from Sameer’s alleged relationship with the girl, whom he had reportedly met at the gym. Hindu activists and the girl’s relatives accused him of “love jihad” — a term often used by right-wing groups to describe alleged attempts by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into relationships for religious conversion. They claimed the relationship involved coercion or ulterior motives. Some accounts also mentioned allegations of sexual assault or rape against Sameer by the girl’s side.
The situation escalated when Sameer’s family members allegedly entered the girl’s house, accusing her family of kidnapping or assaulting him, leading to a physical confrontation between the two families. Later, hundreds of Hindutva activists gathered outside the Old Hubballi police station, staging a protest into the evening and demanding strict action against Sameer and what they described as the “menace of love jihad.”
Police have initiated an investigation into the assault and related complaints. Several sources indicate that authorities are treating the matter primarily as a family or personal dispute rather than a case of organised “love jihad.” Some reports explicitly note that police have dismissed or downplayed the love jihad angle, describing it as a criminal case rooted in a romantic relationship gone sour. The girl’s family has filed complaints, including one alleging sexual assault, while Sameer’s side has refuted the conversion claims, with reports mentioning that his family celebrates Hindu festivals and denies any religious motive.
Videos and images of the scuffle and the protest circulated on social media, heightening local tensions. As of Saturday, police were continuing their probe, with complaints registered from both sides.
This incident has once again brought the contentious “love jihad” debate to the fore in Karnataka, a state that has seen similar allegations and political discourse in the past. Authorities have appealed for calm to prevent further escalation in the communally sensitive region.
Further details are expected as the police investigation progresses.
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