A gym trainer, aged 23, was reportedly attacked on Friday by a group following a dispute related to his involvement with a girl in Hubballi, Karnataka, as per the police. Allegations of rape and blackmail against the trainer, Sameer Mulla, are also under investigation, with a 20-year-old woman releasing a video statement accusing Mulla of taking her to his residence, drugging her, and sexually assaulting her.
The woman claimed that Mulla recorded the assault and subsequently used the video to extort her. Police have initiated an inquiry and are assessing the claims made by both parties. The incident transpired within the jurisdiction of the Old Hubballi police station, with City Police Commissioner N Shashikumar affirming that a thorough investigation will be carried out based on the complaints received.
Shashikumar mentioned that the girl’s parents alleged harassment and blackmail involving compromising photos and videos. He further elaborated that there were allegations of potential misuse by the implicated individual. The Commissioner clarified that the altercation arose from a personal conflict between two families and was not linked to ‘love jihad’.
According to Shashikumar, the altercation unfolded between 8 am and 9 am when a group visited the youth’s residence, leading to a confrontation. Subsequently, the youth was taken away and later brought to a police station. He emphasized that the issue stemmed from a relationship between the youth and the girl, with threats issued by the girl’s family members.
Dismissing claims of ‘love jihad’ by Hindutva groups, the Commissioner reiterated that the matter was a personal dispute warranting a criminal investigation. Sameer’s sister, Taiseem Mulla, asserted that her brother was forcibly taken and assaulted by a group, urging stringent action against the culprits. The family lodged a complaint with the police after searching for Sameer, who was eventually found and hospitalized due to injuries sustained.
Taiseem revealed that Sameer and the woman had been romantically involved for three years, with allegations of their private photos and videos being circulated before the incident. She denied the ‘love jihad’ narrative, stating that their family advocates religious tolerance and seeks justice for her brother. The term ‘love jihad’ insinuates a purported scheme by Muslim men to convert Hindu women through relationships and marriage.
In her video testimony, the woman disclosed attending events with Taiseem and Sameer, leading to a close bond with Sameer. She recounted being taken to his house, drugged, and sexually assaulted, unaware of the video recording until later shown by Sameer. The woman’s mother accused Sameer of hypnotizing and harassing her daughter, refuting any relationship claims and alleging harassment over several days.
The woman’s father detailed an early morning intrusion by a group, including Sameer’s family members, wielding weapons and issuing threats. He narrated threats to burn their property and asserted their innocence, expressing fear and a desire for justice. Sameer, recuperating in a hospital, claimed coercion into false confessions of ‘love jihad,’ denouncing the assault he endured.