Mangaluru: Kasaragod Hindu student elopes with Wayanad Muslim youth, police trace couple in Kerala

Mangaluru: Kasaragod Hindu student elopes with Wayanad Muslim youth, police trace couple in Kerala

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 11, 2026: A Hindu woman from Kasaragod, who was pursuing a BSc in Criminology, has reportedly eloped with a Muslim youth from Wayanad and is preparing to register their marriage there, despite repeated appeals from her parents.

The woman, identified as Vaishali, a resident of Meepuguri near Madhur in Kasaragod district and belonging to the Billava community, had been studying at Mukka Srinivas College in Mangaluru for the past three years. Although she had completed her BSc degree this year, she continued to stay at a paying guest (PG) accommodation near Surathkal along with her friends.

During this period, she reportedly became acquainted with Mohammed Midlaj, a native of Wayanad, who was working at Atlas Jewellery in Surathkal. According to police, the couple registered their marriage in Wayanad on January 31, and their photograph was displayed at the local registrar’s office. The image reportedly reached Vaishali’s family through social media on February 8.

On receiving the information, Vaishali’s father, who works in Qatar, immediately returned home and, along with her mother, went to the PG in Surathkal. CCTV footage from the PG showed that Vaishali was last seen leaving the premises on the morning of February 8, wearing pants and a shirt and carrying a vanity bag. Her mobile phone was switched off shortly thereafter. The parents then lodged a complaint at the Surathkal police station.

Based on information gathered, Surathkal police travelled to Wayanad and traced both Vaishali and Midlaj. The couple was brought to the local police station, where statements were recorded. During this time, Vaishali’s parents reportedly pleaded with her to return home, stating that they had raised her with great care for 22 years. However, she insisted on staying with Midlaj, following which her statement was formally recorded by the police.

Police investigation revealed that Vaishali had been living independently with friends for about a year after completing her studies. She is the second of three daughters; the eldest is married and settled in the United States, and she has a younger sister.

The incident has triggered strong reactions from some local groups and family members. Certain Hindu organisations have alleged that the case amounts to “love jihad,” a claim that police have not officially endorsed.

The episode has also renewed concerns among parents and the public regarding the monitoring of students staying in PG accommodations in Mangaluru and Surathkal, with calls for stricter oversight.