Ahmadabad Bajrang Dal workers chase away couples

Members of the Bajrang Dal on Wednesday harassed couples at the Sabarmati Riverfront on the occasion of Valentine's Day. They allegedly arrived in large numbers wielding saffron sticks and chased away those found sitting at the Riverfront. They allegedly tried to hit them.

Bajrang Dal members held a protest on Wednesday morning. Nikunj Parekh, Ahmadabad President of the Bajrang Dal, said the agitation was organised to protest against Valentine's Day celebrations. "This is all against our culture," he said. "We are not against love, but we are against these people ruining our culture. If they want to sit together, they should sit in their homes. Also, Valentine's Day is not a part of our culture. These are all foreign concepts that are used to manipulate our young and innocent women. This is what really leads to love jihad."

Several victims shared their stories. On the morning of February 14, Varsha and Varun (names withheld) were taking a walk at the riverfront where they sat down later to study for their college exams. Soon, they saw four men, armed with saffron sticks, running towards them, chanting "Jai Shri Ram". They were shocked, and fled the spot.

‘We’re against vulgar display of love’

The Bajrang Dal on Wednesday clarified that its opposition to Valentine’s Day was the inappropriate and vulgar display of emotions happening in the name of love in the city. Hemant Trivedi, the party media in-charge, said they had organised a programme to oppose the same at the Riverfront area. “Couples sit indecently and engage in a vulgar display of love at the Riverfront. We oppose this,” said Trivedi. He said the organisation efforts to dissuade couples resulted in 16 of their workers being detained and the police registering a case against 4.