Bodybuilder and gym trainer addressing a meeting in Hubballi called by the Commissioner of Police on Monday following protests against Love Jihad in Hubballi-Dharwad gyms. | Photo credit: KIRAN BAKALE
Following Hindutva protests that gymnasiums in Hubballi-Dharwad have become centers of love jihad after two cases of molestation of two girls came to light, Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar presided over a meeting of gym owners and gym trainers on Monday.
During the protests, the Hindutva outfit raised several issues regarding gym trainers and gym security measures.
In a meeting with gym owners on Monday, the police commissioner issued a stern warning to owners and trainers about the necessary guidelines to be followed, including installing CCTV cameras with voice recording and not hiring any trainer with a criminal record.
The Police Commission also heard complaints from gym owners and trainers and assured them that the problems would be addressed.
Deputy Commissioners of Police Raveesh CR and Shruthi NS, Municipal Commissioner Rudresh Ghali and other police officials were present.
In a related development, officials of Dharwad District Body Builders Association held a press conference demanding strict action against the culprits.
They also appealed against showing the gyms in poor lighting because of the bad actions of a few people.
Four cases
In all the four cases registered by the police in connection with the two Love Jihad cases, they have arrested two men Sameer Mulla and Mufiz Miyanavar.
In the case of Sameer Mulla, two complaints were filed against him, one by the victim and the other by her mother. The third case relates to the attack on Sameer Mulla by Hindutva activists.
As many as 65 unidentified persons have been named in the attack on Sameer Mulla, a gym trainer who claimed that his girlfriend was forced by her family and others to lodge a false complaint against him.
Meanwhile, except for the case against Hindutva activists, Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Mutalik demanded withdrawal of the case and warned that he would call Hubballi Bandh if it was not withdrawn.
Yatnal meets the victim
On Monday, exiled BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal visited the victim’s house in Hubballi and demanded a thorough investigation, saying terror outfits were involved in Love Jihad.
Members of Ranaragini group of Hindu Jana Jagruti Samiti, led by coordinator Bhavya Gowda and advocate Shakunthala Shetty, also visited the victim’s house and consoled her and the family members.
They also submitted a memorandum to the Commissioner of Police demanding that the case be handed over to the NIA.
The victim clarifies
In a development related to the second case, the victim of the rape and sexual exploitation case clarified before the media on Monday about a video clip circulating on social media about her intention to marry accused Mufiz Miyanavar and her visit to the sub-registrar’s office.
She said that she made the video after the accused threatened her and that the Congress leader was behind the leak of the video.
Meanwhile, the local Congress unit said on social media that the BJP is raising shades and crying over Love Jihad in view of the assembly polls.
In Mufiz Miyanavar’s case, the couple wanted to get married but the whole case is now being twisted to suit their interests.
KPCC general secretary Rajat Ullagaddimath even issued a statement saying the entire development is part of the “BJP toolkit” for the assembly polls.
BJP is trying to create disturbances by manipulating personal issues and projecting them as Love Jihad, he said.
Published – 06 Apr 2026 21:36 IST
