Deekshith D V
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 14: The police on Saturday February 14 detained three activists of Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha for trying to forcibly marry off two couples at city's Kadri Park.
February 14 being Valentine's Day, activists of right wing outfits are reportedly keeping vigil in the city to prevent couples from celebrating the day.
The detained activists have been identified as Rajesh Poojary, Naveen and Suresh.
It is said that the trio spotted two couples at Kadri Park and confronted them, and forcibly tried to marry them off.
As soon as police received information, they rushed to the spot and took the trio to police station.
No case has been registered so far.
Speaking to daijiworld earlier, state president of right wing outfit Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha Pranavananda Swami said that couples who are found celebrating Valentine's Day would be married off, and that activists would keep an eye on the city's parks and beaches.
"Celebrating Valentine's Day is not our culture. Our organization is not against love but against celebration of such days," he said.
He also said that Hindu Mahasabha activists are keeping vigil at public places like parks and beaches throughout the state.
Speaking specifically about Mangaluru, he said, "If we find couples at Kadri Park or beaches we will join them wedlock. If Hindu girls are found in the company of non-Hindus, the marriage will be solemnised after purification of the non-Hindu at Arya Samaj."
He further said, "Our organization is working to prevent this situation in places like Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Hubballi and Belagavi.
He, however, added, "The administrations in Bengaluru, Chitradurga, Haveri and Hubballi have invoked Section 107 of the IPC against me, so I cannot go there."
Reiterating that his organization is not against love, he said, "Instead of celebrating Valentine's Day, our organization has decided to observe Mata-Pita puja programme."
Rajesh Pavitran, state general secretary of Hindu Mahasabha said, "Already, groups have been formed to keep vigilat public places like parks and beaches in the city."
The police, in anticipation of trouble, have beefed up security in the city. Police commissioner S Murugan said that anyone found creating trouble on Valentine's Day would have to face action.
DCP (crime) Santosh Babu speaking to daijiworld said, "We have already made adequate security arrangements in the city. Whoever violates the law will be taken into custody immediately."