Mangaluru: A young woman from Kasaragod district who had been pursuing a BSc in Criminology in Mangaluru has reportedly left her paying guest accommodation in Surathkal and married a youth from Wayanad, prompting a police inquiry and emotional appeals from her family.
The woman, identified as Vaishali from Meepuguri near Madhur in Kasaragod district, belongs to the Billava community and had been studying at Srinivas College in Mukka for the past three years. Though she completed her degree this year, she continued to stay at a PG facility near Surathkal along with her friends.
According to police sources, she left the PG premises earlier this month and later traced developments confirmed that she and the youth had completed marriage registration formalities in Wayanad.
Couple traced after parents file complaint
Police said Vaishali became acquainted with Mohammed Midlaj, a native of Wayanad, who was employed at a jewellery outlet in Surathkal. Their acquaintance reportedly developed during her stay near the college area.
Information available with investigators indicates that the couple registered their marriage in Wayanad on January 31. A photograph displayed at the registrar’s office reportedly circulated on social media and reached Vaishali’s family on February 8.
After learning about the development, Vaishali’s father, who works in Qatar, returned home urgently. Her parents then visited the PG accommodation in Surathkal to check on her whereabouts. CCTV footage from the premises showed her leaving on the morning of February 8 carrying a vanity bag. Her mobile phone was found to be switched off soon afterwards.
Her parents subsequently lodged a missing complaint at the Surathkal police station.
Police bring couple for inquiry
Based on preliminary leads and inter-district coordination, Surathkal police travelled to Wayanad and traced the couple. Both were brought to a local police station for verification and recording of statements.
Police officials said Vaishali, who is an adult, gave her statement in person and expressed her decision to stay with Midlaj. Her parents also met her at the station and appealed to her to return home, stating that they had raised her with care and concern. However, she declined and reiterated her choice before officers.
After recording statements and verifying documents, police treated the matter as one involving consenting adults and followed standard legal procedure.
Background and family details
Investigators said Vaishali had been living independently with friends for about a year after completing her course requirements. She is the second of three daughters in her family. Her elder sister is married and settled in the United States, while her younger sister is currently studying.
Police said there was no immediate evidence of abduction or coercion based on the woman’s recorded statement, but procedural verification of documents and timelines is continuing.
Claims and reactions from groups
The incident has triggered reactions from some local organisations and community representatives. Certain Hindu groups have publicly alleged that the case amounts to “love jihad.” However, police have not endorsed this claim and stated that the matter is being handled based on facts and statements recorded during the inquiry.
Officials emphasised that any classification of wrongdoing would depend strictly on evidence of coercion, fraud, or illegal activity, and not on interfaith nature alone.
Calls for PG oversight
Mangaluru and Surathkal have a large student population, with many staying in PG and hostel facilities near colleges and workplaces. Following the incident, some parents and local residents have called for tighter monitoring and verification systems at PG accommodations, including stricter tenant records and visitor logs.
Police said PG operators are already required to maintain basic identity and contact records of residents and should cooperate with authorities whenever inquiries arise.
Investigation status
Police clarified that since both individuals are majors and the woman has given a voluntary statement, no criminal case has been registered at this stage beyond the initial missing complaint entry. However, authorities said they will continue to document the sequence of events and respond if any new complaint or evidence emerges.
They also urged families and the public to avoid spreading unverified claims on social media and allow due process to take its course.