Kerala

Perfect reply to moral policing: cafe vandalised by Yuva Morcha reopens within hours of attack

Written by : TNM

The News Minute | October 24, 2014 | 07:08 pm IST A Calicut based cafe was up and running on Thursday, just hours after a group of Yuva Morcha activists vandalised the place claiming they were "forced to react" against "immoral activities" in public places. The protestors smashed windows, furniture and almost everything inside the cafe named Down Town, which is said to have incurred major losses. According to reports, the incident occurred after Malayalam TV channel Jai Hind,owned by the Congress in Kerala, ran an "investigative" news report showing footage of couples engaging in "immoral" and illegal activities, but did not substantiate its claims."We reopened the restaurant at 6.30 pm. We had a good number of customers yesterday. Many came to the shop and extended their support to us. Our normal working time is from 12pm to 2.30am. Most of our customers are families. This restaurant is in a open area. There are several residential buildings in this area. We don't do anything immoral here. We just serve good food", said Basil , owner of Down Town to The News Minute. "I spent almost 4 lakhs rupees for the renovation. Money is not a matter, but they harmed our reputation, that hurts me more. We were planning to start franchises of 'Down Town' in Bangalore and Delhi. I don't know how that will be possible now? They raised all kind of allegations against me as if am running a brothel. I am just 25, and it was a bit hard for me to overcome all the issues", he added. Read: Yuva Morcha activists vandalise cafe in Calicut after a news channel does moral policing sting

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