Girl’s family attacked over alleged conversion row in Chitradurga village

CHITRADURGA: A violent clash broke out in Bharamasagara between two families over a love marriage that was opposed by the parents. The couple had married secretly and had kept it a secret from their families.

Teertheshwar Naik, son of Raju Naik, and Bhavana, daughter of Hemla Naik, had been in a relationship for several years and had registered their marriage on February 8 despite their families’ objections. The opposition stemmed from Raju Naik’s family having converted to Christianity, which Hemla Naik’s family did not approve of.

A meeting was called to reconcile the two families, but it ended in violence when Teertheshwar Naik allegedly attacked Bhavana’s relatives, including her uncle Mallesh Naik, over allegations of conversion. The attack was sparked by Bhavana’s mother, Savitha Bai, accusing Teertheshwar Naik of converting her daughter.

Three people, including Mallesh Naik, were injured in the attack and were hospitalised. The incident has sparked outrage, with demands for the authorities to take action against Teertheshwar Naik and his family.A video of the attack has gone viral, showing Teertheshwar Naik assaulting the victims. The police have registered a case, and investigations are under way.