Daijiworld Media Network - Bareilly
Bareilly, Dec 29: A group of nearly two dozen vigilantes allegedly barged into a café in Bareilly on Saturday and assaulted the staff and a group of youngsters celebrating a girl’s birthday, accusing them of “love jihad”, police said.
The incident reportedly occurred after the attackers objected to the presence of two youths from the Muslim community at the birthday gathering. The group allegedly vandalised the café, hurled abuses and assaulted customers and staff, triggering panic at the spot. Videos of the incident have since surfaced on social media.
An FIR has been registered against two accused identified as Rishabh Thakur and Deepak Pathak, along with 25 unidentified associates. All the accused were absconding till the filing of the report, police said.
While it was alleged that the two named accused had links with the Bajrang Dal, the organisation’s Bareilly coordinator Aryan Chaudhary denied any association with them.
Police also detained two party attendees, Shaan and Waqaib, along with café owner Shailendra Gangwar, invoking provisions related to breach of peace. They were later released on bail on personal bonds.
“Shaan and Waqaib, along with the café owner, were detained following a heated argument between the two sides. The café had been booked by them for the birthday celebration,” said Rajbali Singh, Station House Officer of Prem Nagar police station.
According to the complaint, the incident took place around 2 pm on December 27, when Rishabh Thakur and Deepak Pathak arrived with 20–25 unidentified persons, created a ruckus, assaulted those present and issued death threats. The complainant alleged that expensive items inside the restaurant were damaged, causing significant financial loss.
Bareilly Circle Officer Ashutosh Shivam said police rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information and brought the situation under control. No serious injuries were reported and no one was hospitalised, he added.
In videos circulating online, the girl whose birthday was being celebrated alleged that the assailants raised slogans, misbehaved with her, attempted to snatch her mobile phone and severely assaulted the two Muslim youths while levelling false accusations of “love jihad”. She said the police arrived shortly and ensured their safety.
Police said CCTV footage and videos are being examined to identify other accused. The FIR has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including house trespass, rioting, mischief, voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation.