UP: Bajrang Dal workers assault 2 at birthday party over ‘love jihad’ claims
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Bareilly: Chaos erupted at a birthday celebration in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district when right-wing workers allegedly stormed the party and assaulted two Muslim attendees, citing claims of ‘love jihad’.
The birthday party was hosted by a Hindu girl, a first-year BSc nursing student, at a restaurant in the Prem Nagar area. Nine friends attended the event, including the two Muslim men, Shan and Waqif.
Videos circulating on social media show the young men being slapped, beaten, and threatened by the Hindutva crowd, while chants of “Jai Shri Ram” echoed through the venue.
Prem Nagar police reached the scene following reports and took Shan into custody, while Waqif initially fled but was later traced. Other attendees, including the birthday girl, were also questioned.
The Prem Nagar Station House Officer (SHO) stated that preventive action was taken against three individuals, including two Muslim attendees and the restaurant manager, Shailendra, under Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) for “disturbing peace.”
Bareilly police released a statement confirming that action was taken under Sections 170, 126 (security for keeping peace), and 135 (inquiry as to truth of information) of the BNSS.
Local reports indicate that the attackers were affiliated with the right-wing organisation Bajrang Dal. Police, however, refused to confirm their identification, stating that investigations are ongoing. When asked about a counter-case, authorities said no formal complaint had been filed so far.