Udupi: A troubling instance of alleged ” interfaith marriage” has surfaced in Udupi, raising concerns over the safety of a young Christian girl who has reportedly been kidnapped by a Muslim youth. The case involves Jeena Maril, a student of engineering from Moodbidri, Dakshina Kannada district, who has gone missing, prompting her parents to file a kidnapping complaint against Mohammed Akram, a resident of Karamballi in Udupi.
According to reports, Jeena and Akram were preparing to marry and had even sought police protection for their love marriage. However, this has spiralled into a contentious dispute, leading Jeena’s parents, Merus Pushpalatha and Godwin, to allege that Akram’s intentions have turned sinister. They insist that he kidnapped their daughter out of revenge, as they had previously filed a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case five years ago when he allegedly molested her as a minor—a case that was dismissed when it was ruled that there was insufficient evidence of sexual molestation.
The allegations further escalate with the parents claiming that Akram had been in contact with Jeena through social media platforms like Instagram for five years, supposedly luring her with threats and coercive tactics. They asserted that he took obscene photos and videos of Jeena, threatening to circulate them on social media should their family resist his advances. Jeena’s parents reported that Akram previously confronted them, bringing Jeena to their home and causing distress within the family.
In the latest twist, it has been reported that Akram applied for anticipatory bail following the accusations, but he was arrested shortly thereafter, further complicating the already tumultuous situation. Jeena’s parents have expressed serious concerns regarding Mohammed Akram’s background, alleging he is linked with the notorious Garuda gang—a group reportedly involved in drug trafficking and other criminal activities. They fear for their daughter’s safety and well-being, suspecting that she may be used for unsavory or exploitative purposes.
The parents have articulated their frustrations with local law enforcement, stating that when they approached the police, they were told that both Jeena and Akram were adults and that no action could be taken in the matter. The police reportedly showed her parents a video purportedly proving that Jeena was safe and willingly with Akram, but the family disputes this portrayal. They claim that despite assurances from the police, Jeena’s whereabouts remain uncertain, and they suspect the youth’s party is deliberately concealing her.
In a fervent plea, Pushpalatha and Godwin have accused the police of negligence, stating, “The police are not offering us the help we desperately require. They insist she is safe and happy, but we have not had any meaningful communication with her.” They also raised concerns that the police may be planning to facilitate Jeena’s return to Akram, given the latter’s past allegations of sexual misconduct against minors.
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