Despite increased patrolling by district police during this year’s Valentine’s Day, rightwing religious groups and similar organisations managed to intimidate couples who dared to come out to express their love for each other.
Groups opposing Valentine’s Day lay siege at destinations popular among lovers pounced at those who inadvertently made their way in the parks and made them do sit-ups supposedly to teach them a lesson. “This is against our culture. Boys and girls leave their houses for schools but instead of going to school they engage in such activities,” said member of a group that was present at Naxtra Van to prevent couples enter the premises.
Organisations like Bajrang Dal, Hindu Jagran Manch, Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad and several other organizations of similar opinion about Valentine’s Day reportedly prevented couples from entering premises at several places peacefully and chasing away at other places. Ironically, police remained a mute spectator at such places and did not arrest people who fomented trouble. Interestingly, police placed at these places waited for an official complaint to make any arrest. However, no official complaint was lodged by any couple who managed to flee the spot without any harm.