Valentine’s Day celebration: Right wing activists on prowl, police keep strict vigil

BHUBANESWAR: Apprehending any moral policing or protest from the right-wing activists, the commissionerate police made security arrangements to keep a strict vigil on city hangout zones and entertainment parks as the lovebirds celebrating Valentine’s Day on Sunday.

Bhubaneswar DCP Satyabrat Bhoi said they had made security arrangements in the city to avoid untoward incidents like vandalism in front of hotels and restaurants or manhandling of couples in public spaces on Valentine’s Day.

He said the police had targeted some parks like Ekamra Kanan, Jaydev Vatika, Nandankanan botanical garden, zoo and regional science park, heritage places like Dhauligiri, Khandagiri and Udaygiri and restaurants in the city.

Meanwhile, the right wing activists including Bajarang Dal have decided to raid malls and parks to protest the celebration of the day in the city.

They termed the Valentine’s Day celebration is against the culture of India, and it should be protested.

Similarly, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) would also protest the celebration but not create any violence or demonstration in public.

Even the right wing activists threaten for marrying off couples found in hangout zones like parks, tourist places and restaurants on the day.