Hubballi, Apr 3

A 23-year-old gym trainer was allegedly assaulted on Friday after being taken away by a group following a confrontation here, police said, adding that they are also probing allegations of rape and blackmail against him.

A 20-year-old survivor released a video statement alleging that the trainer, Sameer Mulla, took her to his house, gave her a drink, and raped her.

She alleged that he recorded a video of the act and later used it to blackmail her. Police said an investigation has been launched and that allegations made by both sides are being examined.

The incident occurred within the limits of the Old Hubballi police station.

City Police Commissioner N Shashikumar said a detailed investigation would be conducted based on the complaints received.

"A complaint has been lodged, and we are registering an FIR. The case will be investigated accordingly. Apart from this, two to three related incidents have also come to light, and cases are being taken up in the respective jurisdictional police stations," he told reporters.

Explaining the allegations, he said the survivor’s parents had stated that she was harassed and that some of her photos and videos were used to blackmail her.

"There are also allegations of attempted misuse by the youth concerned," he said.

Earlier, Shashikumar said the incident stemmed from a dispute between two families and was not related to 'love jihad'.

According to him, a group went to the youth’s house between 8 am and 9 am, leading to a confrontation, during which the youth was taken away and later brought to a police station.

"There was some friction at both places. The man has been rescued and is undergoing treatment for minor injuries," he said.

Responding to claims by some organisations terming the case as 'love jihad', the Commissioner said, "For us, it is a criminal case, and we will investigate accordingly."

Sameer’s sister alleged he was forcibly taken away and assaulted. The family has filed a complaint.

The survivor, in her statement, said: "Later, Sameer became close to me. One day, he took me to his house and gave me a drink. After that, he raped me and recorded a video. I was not aware of it at the time and came to know only after he showed me the video," she alleged.

The accused’s family, however, claimed that he and the survivor had been in a relationship.