Crying foul over Valentine’s Day ‘ruining’ Indian culture, members of Bajrang Dal stormed into Manjeera Mall in Hyderabad on Wednesday and vandalised decorations, besides intimidating couples present in the complex.
The incident occurred despite police assurance that they would maintain vigil and prevent any nuisance by the vigilantes.
The KPHB police said that they would verify the CCTV footage and file a case against the members of the Hindu outfit.
Speaking to TNM, KPHB Inspector, Ch Kushalkar said, “We didn’t receive any complaint. We will wait for the complaint from the management, or else we will file a suo moto case and detain the culprits.”
The Inspector said that the miscreants damaged the decoration set up near doors. “Balloons were damaged and other decorations were ruined,” said Kushalkar.
Cyberabad Deputy Commissioner, (Madhapur Zone) Vishwa Prasad, said, “Despite our strict vigilance at parks and malls, this incident took place. It should have been avoided. We will file the case and take the culprits to task.”
A video of the incident has also gone viral. Watch it below.
#WATCH: Bajrang Dal members create ruckus at Hyderabad's Manjeera Mall on #ValentinesDay pic.twitter.com/QnbtQqfkb7
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2018
A group of Bajrang Dal members also gathered at The Park Hotel in Somajiguda, but dispersed after staging a protest.
Barring these incidents, there weren’t any other such incidents of violence reported.
#Hyderabad: Bajrang Dal workers staged a protest at the entrance of The Park hotel, demanding no #ValentinesDay celebrations should be held. (earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/FKflRYFHif
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2018
Just like every year, the self-proclaimed “upholders of Indian culture”, warned the managements of pubs and restaurants in Hyderabad against hosting any special event to observe the day. They also gave a representation to the police.
“It is not in Indian culture to celebrate such events and we should not let the foreign culture in. We have been telling people about how the youths are getting influenced and ruining their career and creating public nuisance also,” said city Bajrang Dal in-charge, Vishal Prasad to Deccan Chronicle.