Celebrating Valentine’s day in the country has always been a risky business. Be it getting beaten up or harassed on the streets, this is one day where extremity is on display.
Lawless prevail in MP’s #Bhopal after Ex-BJP MLA @bjpsurendranath, @BJP4MP / @ShivSena men attacked restaurants on Valentine’s Day for allegedly promoting #Love-Jihad & vandalised restaurants. They also allegedly assaulted couples sitting inside eateries. @newsclickin @DGP_MP pic.twitter.com/It3s84Zbia
— Kashif Kakvi (@KashifKakvi) February 14, 2021
Similarly, in an incident that took place in the state’s capital, Bhopal, a couple of people entered cafes and harassed people under the assumption of promoting ‘love jihad’ on 14th February.
They entered a cafe named The Junkyard Cafe where they smashed bottles and vandalised the place as well.
Shivsena and BJP's Goons vandalized restaurants in Bhopal with former BJP MLA..
— ਜ਼ਮਾਨ زماں (@Delhiite_) February 14, 2021
Demolished the restaurant by accusing them of spreading love jihad..pic.twitter.com/dnZnBBgGwv
The same proceedings took place in another cafe called The Cowboy Restro Bar. They specifically destroyed hookah bars.
Ex-BJP MLA from Bhopal Central @bjpsurendranath. Man behind today’s attack on Restaurant/Cafe in Bhopal for allegedly promoting Love-Jihad. pic.twitter.com/VuCvCdJNVh
— Kashif Kakvi (@KashifKakvi) February 14, 2021
After which, 17 people which also includes former BJP MLA Surendra Nath were arrested.
2 FIRs have been registered in Bhopal’s Habibganj & Shymala Hills police station. Police have booked a few including Ex-BJP MLA @bjpsurendranath.@abhisar_sharma @digvijaya_28 @paranjoygt @Ram_Guha @hussainhaidry @shellywalia @TheQuint @scribe_prashant @Scribbly_Scribe pic.twitter.com/kbjNE3rabC
— Kashif Kakvi (@KashifKakvi) February 14, 2021
While in conversation with the Indian Express, Bhopal DIG Irshad Wali mentioned that:
Based on the complaint and all those who were identified, we have arrested 17 people, including ex-MLA Surendra Nath Singh.
Reportedly, they identified themselves as members of the BJP’s youth wing, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and Shiv Sena.
Chanting “Jai Shree Ram” & armed with bat/ sticks, they sneaked inside restaurants in search of couples and later, vandalised the restaurants allegeding for promoting #Love-Jihad. @ChouhanShivraj has given freehand to fringe elements.@drnarottammisra @vinodkapri @SaketGokhale pic.twitter.com/mRNkCMw7jI
— Kashif Kakvi (@KashifKakvi) February 14, 2021
A total of 10 people which even had 3 women as a part entered the second cafe, Cowboy Restro Bar in Bittan market and vandalized the property.