‘Love jihad’ allegations surface in Hubballi, victims recount ordeal and demand strict law

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Hubballi : Allegations related to “Love Jihad” once again sparked controversy in Karnataka after several women in Hubballi claimed they had been trapped in such relationships and later managed to escape. At a press conference held in the city, the women narrated their experiences and urged the government to enact stricter laws to prevent such incidents.

The issue has recently gained attention following the release of a film depicting alleged “Love Jihad” cases in Kerala. The film, released in two parts, has triggered discussions across the country about forced conversions and relationships based on deceit. In this backdrop, a few women in Hubballi came forward to share their personal experiences, claiming they had faced similar situations.

Victims share their experiences

During the press meet organised under the leadership of Pramod Muthalik, several women alleged that they were lured into relationships with false promises. Some of them claimed that the men initially assured them there would be no pressure to convert their religion after marriage.

One of the women alleged that she was told she would not have to wear a burqa or change her way of life. “They spoke sweetly and convinced us that we would live happily like queens after marriage. Gradually, they tried to turn us against our own families,” she said while recounting her experience.

According to the women, it was only later that they realised the promises were misleading. They claimed they managed to escape the relationships after facing emotional distress and pressure. Several of them urged authorities to take preventive steps to protect young women from falling into such traps.

Call for strict legal action

The press conference also saw participation from Niranjan Hiremath, whose daughter was killed on a college campus in Hubballi last year. He alleged that organised efforts were being made under the guise of relationships and demanded stronger action from the authorities.

Hiremath also expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of investigation in his daughter’s murder case, stating that justice had not been delivered even after a long period. He demanded that the case be handed over to a central agency such as the Central Bureau of Investigation or the National Investigation Agency for an impartial probe.

Meanwhile, Muthalik called for a stringent law to curb alleged “Love Jihad” cases in the country. He claimed that several young women and minors had gone missing and questioned where they had gone, alleging that some could be victims of such activities.

However, the issue remains a subject of intense debate. While some groups claim organised efforts behind such relationships, others argue that many interfaith couples live peacefully and that such cases must be examined carefully through proper investigation before drawing conclusions.