While love-struck people across the world are celebrating Valentine's Day, in India a right-wing religious group has been on the look out, trying to catch couples in the act of dating western-style, which it regards as incompatible with Indian traditional values.
In a video going viral on social media, saffron scarf-wearing men on motorbikes could be seen chasing couples who were found celebrating the day in public places in Ahmedabad, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home-state.
Bajrang Dal goons chasing couples away at Ahmedabad river front on #ValentinesDay. pic.twitter.com/P06nYyKo40
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) February 14, 2020
A similar group Hindu Sena also issued a warning to people indulging in public displays of affection while threatening them with police action for celebrating Valentine's Day in public places.
The trend of beating couples has triggered an influx of memes on twitter with people taking on the vigilantes.
*Bajrang dal approaching*
— CHEEKU 🌼 (@Okay_Bye___) February 14, 2020
Couples in park: pic.twitter.com/8Z6MqNGiz5
When a couple in a park sees Bajrang Dal approaching..... pic.twitter.com/TGEebfidpJ
— संस्कारी बजरंगदल वाले (@Being_Sanskaari) February 14, 2020
Bajrang dal Activists twooter branch are on the way to Central Park 🤣🚩 pic.twitter.com/I2eRddeJ9Y
— Unemployed Marwadi 🇮🇳 (@Muaaaahrwadi) February 14, 2020
Nobody:
— Brahma 🌿 (@dTweetOfBrahma) February 14, 2020
Bajrang Dal on valentines day: pic.twitter.com/k3HH8adJsL
Bajrang Dal members when they spot couples doing romance.#BaapReBaap#AkshayKumar pic.twitter.com/WTmULL01nw
— Praveen Saran (@praveensaran429) February 13, 2020
Bajrang Dal to Unmarried Couples be like.... pic.twitter.com/50ySUoCd7S
— MrRavan (@MrRavan16) February 11, 2020
