Tension gripped Hubballi in Karnataka as allegations of “love jihad” involving a Muslim youth named Sameer and a Hindu girl sparked clashes between Hindu organizations and Sameer’s family. The situation escalated when Hindu activists protested outside the Old Hubballi police station, demanding strict action against Sameer.
Sameer, a gym trainer from Vijayanagar, was accused of being in a relationship with the girl, whom he had met at the gym. Hindu groups intervened, claiming it was a case of love jihad, and handed Sameer over to the police. The conflict intensified when Sameer’s family members allegedly entered the girl’s house, accusing her family of kidnapping him.
Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar visited KIMS Hospital in Hubballi where injured individuals from both families were admitted. He highlighted that no formal complaints had been lodged yet and criticized both sides for taking the law into their own hands instead of seeking police intervention. Meanwhile, Sameer’s family refuted the love jihad allegations, asserting that the relationship was consensual and that they had known each other for three years.
The tension in Hubballi was further fueled by the recent stabbing death of Neha Hiremath, a student at KLE Technological University, allegedly by Fayaz, who had been harassing her. The incident led to protests, with some Hindu groups labeling it as a “love jihad” case. Police swiftly arrested Fayaz and initiated a murder case in connection with the tragic event.
