Hubballi: Gym trainer assaulted over rape, ‘love jihad’ claims; probe on

Mangalore Today News Network

Hubballi, Apr 4, 2026: A gym trainer was allegedly assaulted by a group of locals and activists following accusations of rape and ‘love jihad’, even as both families traded counter-allegations, prompting police to launch an inquiry.

Relatives of the girl, along with activists, visited the house of the accused, Sameer Mulla, in Rajnagar on Friday and handed him over to Old Hubballi police after he was reportedly beaten up. The girl’s family also alleged that the accused’s relatives had earlier threatened and assaulted them at their residence in Vikas Nagar.

City Police Commissioner N. Shashi Kumar said statements had been recorded from both sides and a detailed investigation would be conducted based on the complaints. The accused, who sustained minor injuries, has been hospitalised, he said.

Meanwhile, Sameer’s family denied the allegations, claiming the two were in a relationship for three years and that the accusations were baseless. His sister alleged that he was assaulted and briefly abducted by members of the girl’s community.

The girl’s parents, however, accused Sameer of sexual assault, blackmail and administering an intoxicant. In a video circulated on social media, the 20-year-old woman alleged that he had drugged her, recorded videos, and sexually assaulted her.

In Hubballi, Karnataka, gym trainer Sameer Mulla groomed and tortured a Hindu girl after trapping her in the name of "love."

Local men confronted the accused, gave him a solid thrashing, and handed him over to the police.

Well done, citizens! Time to protect our daughters.… pic.twitter.com/7wjp16ehMQ

— ಸನಾತನ (सनातन) (@sanatan_kannada) April 3, 2026

A separate video of the accused also surfaced, in which he denied the charges and claimed the allegations were made under pressure.

Police said a case has been registered following a complaint at Vidyanagar police station, and further investigation is underway.