Police convene meeting of gym owners following protests against Love Jihad

In the wake of Hindutva outfits holding protests saying that gymnasiums in Hubballi-Dharwad have become Love Jihad centres after two cases of harassment of two girls came to light, Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar on Monday chaired a meeting of owners of gymnasiums and gym trainers.

During protests, Hindutva outfits have raised several issues pertaining to gym trainers and security measures in gymnasiums.

On Monday, during the meeting with gym owners, the Police Commissioner issued strict warning to the owners and trainers about the requisite guidelines to be followed, including installation of CCTV cameras with voice recording and not hiring any trainer with criminal background.

The Police Commissioenr also heard grievances of the gym owners and trainers and assured them of looking into the issues.

Deputy Commissioners of Police Raveesh C.R. and Shruthi N.S., Municipal Commissioner Rudresh Ghali and other police officials were present.

In a related development, office-bearers of the Dharwad District Body Builders Association held a press conference demanding strict action against the guilty.

They also appealed against projecting gyms in poor light because of the bad acts of a few people.

Four cases

In all four cases that have been registered by the police in connection with the two cases of Love Jihad, they have arrested two men Sameer Mulla and Mufiz Miyanavar.

In the case of Sameer Mulla, two complaints have been filed against him, one by the victim and the other by her mother. The third case pertains to assault on Sameer Mulla by Hindutva activists.

As many as 65 unidentified people have been named as accused in the assault on Sameer Mulla, gym trainer, who has claimed that his girlfriend was forced by her family and others to lodge a false complaint against him.

Meanwhile, taking exception to the case against Hindutva activists, Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Mutalik has demanded the withdrawal of the case and warned that he will give a call for Hubballi Bandh if it is not withdrawn.

Yatnal meets victim

On Monday, expelled BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal visited the house of the victim in Hubballi and demanded a thorough investigation saying that terrorist outfits are involved in Love Jihad.

Members of Ranaragini outfit of Hindu Jana Jagruti Samiti, led by coordinator Bhavya Gowda and advocate Shakunthala Shetty, also visited the house of the victim and consoled her and family members.

They also submitted a memorandum to the Police Commissioner, demanding handing over the case to the NIA.

Victim clarifies

In a development pertaining to the second case, the victim of the rape and sexual exploitation case clarified before media persons on Monday about a video clip being circulated on social media about her intention to marry the accused Mufiz Miyanavar and her visit to the Sub-Registrar’s office.

She said that she made the video after being threatened by the accused and that a Congress leader is behind the video leak.

Meanwhile, the local Congress unit has taken to social media to say that the BJP is raising a hue and cry over Love Jihad in view of the Assembly bypolls.

In the case of Mufiz Miyanavar, the couple wanted to marry but the entire case is now being distorted to suit their interests, it said.

KPCC general secretary Rajat Ullagaddimath even issued a statement saying that the whole development is part of “BJP toolkit” for the Assembly bypolls.

The BJP is trying to create disturbances manipulating personal issues and projecting them as Love Jihad, he said.