The Athani police have arrested a youth on charges of kidnapping and attempting religious conversion of a minor girl.According to sources, the Athani police arrested the youth and rescued the minor girl in Bengaluru. He has been identified as Sahil, a resident of Athani.As per the information available, the youth had taken the minor girl to Bengaluru a week ago and had reportedly planned to marry her after she attained 18 years of age on January 28.Based on the complaint filed by the parents, the Athani police formed two teams and raced the couple in Bengaluru. Preliminary investigation has revealed messages about carrying out religious conversion, sources have said.Published - January 17, 2026 07:57 pm IST