Haveri: A young man’s attempt to elope with his Hindu girlfriend and solemnise their marriage ended in a serious road accident near Channalli Tanda in Hirekerur taluk of Haveri district, leaving him hospitalized and casting uncertainty over the couple’s future. The injured youth, identified as Mohammed Irfan, is a Bengaluru-based employee of a private firm. According to preliminary information, he and the young woman, who also worked in the same company in Bengaluru, had been in a relationship for some time and had decided to get married despite opposition from the girl’s family.
Sources said the young woman had recently travelled to her native village in Hirekerur taluk to attend a local fair. Learning of her visit, Irfan allegedly hired a car and traveled from Bengaluru to 350 kilometers along with two friends, identified as Chandru and Gururaj, with the intention of bringing her back and proceeding with their marriage plans. After meeting her, the group began their return journey to Bengaluru. However, fearing that the girl’s relatives might follow them or attempt to intercept the vehicle, the car was reportedly driven at high speed.
The accident occurred near Channalli Tanda when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle. The car rammed into a roadside tree and overturned, leaving it severely damaged. Local residents who heard the impact rushed to the scene and found the occupants trapped inside the mangled vehicle. Irfan and his two friends sustained serious injuries and were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their condition is said to be stable but under observation. In contrast, the young woman, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, reportedly escaped with minor or no injuries.
Eyewitnesses claimed that as villagers began gathering at the accident site, the young woman appeared panicked. Instead of accompanying the injured men to the hospital, she allegedly left the spot, sought help from passersby to reach the nearest bus stop, and later traveled back to Bengaluru. The incident has sparked widespread discussion in the region, with many describing it as a tragic turn in a love story that defied social and religious barriers. Police have registered a case at the Hirekerur Police Station and initiated an inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the accident, including whether overspeeding or negligence led to the crash.
Investigators are also verifying statements from the injured youths and examining whether any complaint has been filed by the girl’s family. No official statement has yet been issued regarding allegations of elopement, and police said further details would emerge after recording the statements of all parties involved. Leaders of several Hindu organizations in Hirekerur have strongly opposed the reported interfaith marriage attempt, alleging that such incidents are causing social unrest in rural areas.
They claimed the girl was misled and demanded a thorough police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the elopement. Some leaders also urged authorities to counsel families and prevent what they termed “forced or deceptive relationships”. They warned that community sentiments were hurt and called for strict action if any wrongdoing is found. However, police officials have maintained that the matter is under investigation and appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading rumours.
