Valentine’s day: Parks wear deserted look

Teams of Bajrang Dal activists keep vigil

Hyderabad: Parks in the city wore a deserted look on Valentine’s Day as teams of Bajrang Dal activists spread across the city to keep vigil as part of its moral policing mission.

Unlike previous years, youngsters were not seen in the parks. Ironically, there were more police personnel in the parks than couples.

Just six couples were counselled on Friday as most people were conspicuous by their absence. “Call it fear or just plain common sense, youngsters have become smart and do not want to court danger and embarrassment. We would rather spend the day at home,” said Vikram, a BCom student.

Y Bhanu Prasad, state convenor of Bajrang Dal, said, “Our team members counselled a few couples at Durgam Cheruvu and Botanical Gardens. Almost all parks were empty but many of our members were taken into custody by the police.” Unlike in the previous years, this year the right-wing activists had informed earlier that marriages would not be conducted but the couples would be counselled and let off.

Bajrang Dal members burnt effigies at Tarnaka, ECIL, Old Bowenpally, Punjagutta, Paradise circle and a few other places as a protest against indecent celebrations. Over 200 Bajrang Dal activists were taken into custody on Friday.