Love or Trap? The Alleged Forced Conversion of Vishal Gokavi Sparks Legal and Social Uproar in Karnataka

Karnataka Forced Conversion – In a case that has ignited fierce debate across Karnataka and beyond, Vishal Gokavi, a Hindu man from Gadag district, has alleged that his Muslim wife, Tehsin Hosamani, and her family coerced him into converting to Islam following their interfaith marriage. The incident, now under police scrutiny, has triggered widespread reactions from civil society, religious groups, and legal experts, raising urgent questions about religious freedom, marital consent, and the boundaries of personal choice.

Timeline of Events: From Romance to Religious Conflict

• November 26, 2024: Vishal and Tehsin register their marriage under the Special Marriage Act, allowing interfaith unions without religious conversion.
• April 25, 2025: A second wedding ceremony is held at a mosque, reportedly conducted according to Islamic customs. Vishal claims this event marked his unwilling religious conversion, allegedly without full knowledge or consent.
• May 23, 2025: Vishal is called to the Betageri police station and submits a written statement saying he has no complaint.
• July 2025: Viral videos of the Islamic wedding surface online, prompting Vishal to publicly allege coercion, mental harassment, and threats of false rape charges.

Allegations: Coercion, Threats, and Religious Pressure

In multiple statements and a video, Vishal claims that Tehsin and her family:

• Threatened to file a false rape case if he refused to convert.
• Monitored his religious practices, demanding photo evidence of him performing namaz.
• Changed his name without consent during the Islamic wedding, allegedly recorded as “Viraj Saab” in Urdu.
• Pressured him to abandon his Korama community identity and attend Jamaat congregations.

He further alleges that Tehsin’s uncle and mother played active roles in enforcing religious compliance, and that the coercion intensified over time.

Police Response: No Complaint, But Investigation Underway

Gadag Superintendent of Police Rohan Jagadish confirmed that while the issue has gained traction online, no formal complaint was filed until recently. Vishal had previously stated he had no grievance, but has now submitted a complaint citing mental harassment and forced conversion.

The police have registered a case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to religious coercion and are investigating the matter thoroughly.

Legal and Social Implications

Legal experts say the case hinges on:

• Proof of coercion: Was Vishal’s conversion voluntary or forced?
• Validity of dual ceremonies: Does the Islamic wedding override the Special Marriage Act registration?
• Consent and identity manipulation: Was his name changed legally and with informed consent?

The case has also reignited debates around “Love Jihad”, a term used by some Hindu organizations to describe alleged religious conversions through romantic relationships. These groups have demanded legal action and called for stricter safeguards in interfaith marriages.

Community Reactions: Polarization and Appeals for Calm

While some view Vishal’s allegations as a cautionary tale about religious coercion, others warn against communalizing personal disputes. Civil rights advocates urge a balanced investigation, emphasizing the importance of individual autonomy and due process.

Local leaders have appealed for restraint, fearing that the case could escalate tensions in Gadag and surrounding areas.

Conclusion: A Case That Tests the Boundaries of Faith and Freedom

The Vishal Gokavi-Tehsin Hosamani case is more than a marital dispute, it’s a flashpoint in India’s ongoing conversation about religious identity, personal freedom, and interfaith relationships. As the investigation unfolds, it will likely shape future discourse on how love, law, and belief intersect in a pluralistic society.

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