Knot not for queers in UP 's Baghpat district

The incident was reported from Baraut town in Baghpat district, some 400 km from Lucknow, where the two men aged 23 and 20 went to the temple on Monday.

"Carrying garlands, flowers, and other items used in puja, the two men came to the temple. Initially, we thought the two had come for prayers," Amit Saini, a resident of Baraut who was present at the time in the temple, told IANS over phone.

"After doing rounds of the temple, the two approached the temple priest, asking him to perform their wedding," Saini added.

Taken aback by the proposal, the priest declined to perform their marriage, saying it would be against Hindu tradition.

"Both of them pleaded several times before the priest, who turned down their request. Annoyed, the two then threatened him with dire consequences," said Pradeep Kashyap, another Baraut resident.

"As the priest raised an alarm, other worshippers at the temple and people from nearby localities assembled and drove out the two men. During the process, the two were slightly manhandled by the locals, who were against the same-sex marriage," he added.

After being driven out the temple premises, the two sought help from some local journalists, citing the Delhi High Court order decriminalising homosexuality.

When contacted, Additional Superintendent of Police MP Singh told IANS: "The matter has come to our knowledge through some local journalists. We are investigating the matter and will take necessary steps."He added that the two men have not sought any kind of help from the police till now.