Shiv Sainiks haunt couples on V-Day

  Shiv Sena activists chased and assaulted lovers in parks and restaurants in several parts of Uttar Pradesh on Valentine’s Day on Thursday.

Scores of Shiv Sena workers stormed the parks in Lucknow looking for couples. Eyewitnesses said the workers caught hold of several of them and allegedly assaulted them in full public view.

At many places, the couples were made to do sit-ups and take a vow never to celebrate the Valentine’s Day before being allowed to leave, sources said.

Couples thrashed

In Bulandshahar town, Shiv Sainiks stormed hotels and restaurants and chased away  couples. Many couples, especially men, were thrashed, according to reports.
Two days ago, the Shiv Sena activists had raided some restaurants and roughed up a few couples there.

Police had also registered a case against some leaders and launched a search to nab them.

Reports of couples being roughed up were also received from some other districts.
However, district Shiv Sena president Sarvesh Rana denied that they assaulted couples.
“We only warned couples. We did not misbehave with them,” Rana claimed.

Mute spectators

Authorities had tightened security in and around  parks and restaurants and security personnel in strength were deployed. But they remained mute spectators as the Sainiks went on the rampage.

On Wednesday, the Sainiks had burnt hundreds of Valentine’s card before the state assembly premises to register their protest over the celebrations.

Girl molested

Meanwhile, a girl was allegedly molested by three youths in Lucknow after she refused
to accept a flower from one of the youths on the Valentine’s Day.

The youths, who were riding a bike, were upset over the refusal and allegedly knocked down the girl with their vehicle. The victim, who received injuries, was admitted to the hospital.

A case has been registered and a search has been launched.