Hubballi: Allegations of “love jihad” have resurfaced in Karnataka’s commercial hub Hubballi, with a distraught mother accusing a Muslim man of luring away her married daughter and duping the family of Rs 10 lakh, even as she claims police failed to take timely action in the case.
The complainant, Manjula, a resident of Kelageri in neighbouring Dharwad district, has alleged that her 22-year-old daughter Tangemma was taken away by a man identified as Munna, who was working as a car driver. According to the mother, the incident dates back to 2023, but despite repeated complaints and appeals, neither her daughter nor the accused has been traced so far.
Speaking to reporters, Manjula said her daughter was already married and living with the family when the accused came into contact with them. “We knew Munna through a lawyer. He used to work as a driver. Since we were planning to buy a house, we trusted him and gave Rs 10 lakh to help us find a suitable property,” she alleged.
She further claimed that the accused frequently visited their house under the pretext of assisting with the property search and gradually gained the family’s trust. “One day, when we were not at home, he lured my daughter and took her away. Since then, we have neither seen her nor received any information about her whereabouts,” Manjula said, breaking down.
The family initially approached the Dharwad Sub-Urban Police Station. However, Manjula alleged that instead of registering a kidnapping or cheating case, the police only filed a missing persons complaint. “Even after giving all details, the police did not take strong action. If they had acted promptly, my daughter could have been found by now,” she claimed.
Adding another dimension to the case, the family alleged that Munna was already married to a Muslim woman from Ramdurg in Belagavi district and had two children. “Despite having a wife and children, he deceived our family and took away my daughter. This is not just cheating but a planned act,” Manjula alleged.
She also claimed that the accused has a criminal background, with reports suggesting his involvement in a rape case in Delhi. “We later came to know about his past. Still, no serious effort was made to trace him,” she said.
Police sources indicated that initial efforts were made to track the accused, including searches in places like Hyderabad. However, Munna reportedly changed his mobile SIM multiple times and cut off contact with his known associates, making it difficult for investigators to trace him.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, the family has now approached higher authorities, including the Police Commissioner, along with members of Hindu organisations. They have demanded that the case be treated seriously and investigated as a potential case of “love jihad” and financial fraud.
The issue has sparked outrage among certain groups, who have accused the authorities of negligence and demanded stricter action. They argue that such cases highlight the need for better monitoring and prompt investigation to prevent exploitation and ensure justice for victims.
Meanwhile, police officials have stated that efforts to trace the missing woman and the accused are ongoing, and further action will be taken based on evidence gathered during the investigation.
