In a surprising turn of events, Vismaya, a resident of Vidyanagar in Kasaragod, Kerala, who had gone missing with a Muslim youth a month back, has now married him according to a Kerala High Court order. The youth, Mohammad Ashfaq, has a criminal background and was previously married. The case, which had drawn significant attention, took a dramatic twist with the court’s decision.
Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Sharan Pumpwell, who was actively involved in the case, posted a Facebook apology to Vismaya’s father, Vinod, expressing regret over the outcome.
The story began when Vismaya (22), studying for her BCA and living with her mother-in-law in Ullal, Mangalore, fell in love with Mohammad Ashfaq from Kasaragod. Ashfaq, who already has one marriage and eight criminal cases registered against him at Vidyanagar police station, developed a romantic relationship with Vismaya in Kasaragod.
Concerned for his daughter’s safety, Vinod, Vismaya’s father, initially moved her to Ullal to keep her away from Ashfaq, hoping to protect her and continue her education. However, on June 6, Ashfaq managed to take Vismaya away from Ullal. Vidyanagar police tracked down Vismaya and returned her to her family, but on June 30, Ashfaq kidnapped her again and took her to Kochi.
Vinod promptly filed a kidnapping complaint at Ullal Police Station. Once again, Vidyanagar police located the couple and returned Vismaya to her parents. Desperate to protect his daughter, Vinod sought help from VHP leaders in Mangalore, expressing his fear that Ashfaq was trying to convert Vismaya to Islam.
VHP leaders arranged for Vismaya to be placed in a counselling centre in Mangalore, hoping to change her mind. However, during her stay at the centre, Vismaya expressed her desire to be with Ashfaq despite her family’s opposition. VHP leaders had vowed to bring Vismaya back to her family through legal means.
Meanwhile, Ashfaq filed a habeas corpus petition in the Kerala High Court, seeking to have Vismaya returned to him. The case was argued in court, and in a ruling that shocked Vismaya’s family and the Hindu organizations supporting them, the court ruled in favour of Ashfaq. Following the court’s order, Vismaya converted to Islam and married Ashfaq, making this his second marriage.
The outcome has left Vismaya’s family and the VHP deeply disappointed. In a Facebook post, VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell expressed his regret, writing, “Sorry Vinod, we could not save your daughter.” The post highlights the anguish of a family that fought hard to protect their daughter, only to see her marry a man with a criminal background despite their best efforts.
The case has raised concerns about the influence of individuals with criminal records on vulnerable young Hindu women. It has sparked a debate about interfaith relationships, conversions, and the role of family and community in such matters.
