Karnataka Man Alleges Coercion to Convert After Marriage, Police Register Case

BM TEAM

Gadag, Karnataka:
A man from Karnataka’s Gadag district has filed a police complaint alleging that he was coerced into religious conversion by his wife following their marriage.

Vishal Kumar Gokavi claimed that he was in a relationship with Tahseen Hosamani for three years before they registered their marriage in November 2024. However, he alleged that soon after, Hosamani insisted on a second marriage ceremony conducted in accordance with Islamic customs.

In an effort to maintain harmony in the relationship, Gokavi said he agreed and took part in the religious ceremony held on April 25. According to his complaint, it was during this event that a Muslim cleric (maulvi) performed a religious conversion, and his name was changed — both without his knowledge or consent.

Gokavi further stated that his family had planned a Hindu wedding ceremony on June 5, to which Hosamani initially agreed. However, he alleged that she later refused to participate, citing pressure from her family.

In a more serious allegation, Gokavi claimed that Hosamani threatened to file a rape case against him if he did not convert to Islam. He also accused her and her mother, Begum Banu, of forcing him to participate in Islamic prayers and community gatherings.

The Gadag police have registered a case under Sections 299 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to deliberate acts intended to offend religious sentiments and protect individuals from religious coercion.

An investigation is currently underway.