A tense situation unfolded at a café in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly on Saturday evening after members of the Bajrang Dal allegedly created a disturbance and assaulted two Muslim youths on allegations of “love jihad.” The incident occurred during a birthday celebration organised by a Hindu nursing student, who had invited several of her classmates to the café. The gathering soon descended into chaos after the Bajrang Dal members stormed in, accusing the two Muslim boys present at the party of inappropriate intentions.
According to reports, the birthday celebration involved nine students, all pursuing nursing courses. Among them were two Muslim youths who had been invited as friends. When some members of the Bajrang Dal came to know about their presence, they entered the café shouting slogans and began attacking the two boys. The situation quickly escalated despite repeated attempts by the woman hosting the party to explain that it was merely a birthday celebration and had no religious or ideological angle. She reportedly pleaded with the group, saying all those present were classmates and urging them not to interfere or target anyone on the basis of religion, but her appeals were ignored.
As the confrontation intensified, panic spread inside the café. Witnesses said the mob continued to assault the two youths even as other guests tried to calm them down. The disturbance prompted an immediate response from the local police, who arrived at the spot to control the situation. The police managed to disperse the crowd and bring the violence under control. To prevent further escalation, the two Muslim youths were taken into custody along with two café staff members. The police also contacted the parents of the female students and ensured their safe return.
Confirming the incident, senior police officer Ashutosh Shivam said that a birthday party was underway at the café with six girls and four boys in attendance. He stated that two of the boys belonged to the Muslim community and that members of a Hindu organisation entered the café during the celebration, accusing them of love jihad. A physical scuffle followed, after which the police intervened. He added that the situation was brought under control promptly and that an inquiry into the incident was currently underway.
The incident has once again sparked concern over vigilante behaviour and the growing trend of moral policing, with critics questioning why private gatherings are being disrupted and individuals targeted based on religious identity.
