Sat Apr 05 14:36:45 UTC 2025: ## Engineering Student Denies Kidnapping, Affirms Relationship in Karnataka High Court
**Mangaluru, April 5, 2025** – An engineering student, Jeena Meril, appeared before the Karnataka High Court on Friday and denied claims of kidnapping made by her father, Godwin Devadas. Devadas had filed a habeas corpus petition alleging that his daughter had been abducted by Akram Mohammed, claiming it was a case of “love jihad.”
Ms. Meril, who appeared in court with Mr. Mohammed, stated that she left home willingly and intends to marry him on April 19th. A conversation facilitated by the judge between Ms. Meril and her mother reinforced this, despite the mother’s pleas for her daughter’s return. The court adjourned the case until April 22nd.
Mr. Devadas had initially filed a police complaint alleging kidnapping after his daughter went missing on March 20th. He had previously accused Mr. Mohammed of harassing his daughter while she was a minor. His subsequent public statements labeled the situation as “love jihad.” Udupi Superintendent of Police K. Arun confirmed the court appearance and the student’s denial of abduction.
First Piper 