Bhubaneswar: Scores of young couples faced the wrath of radical groups indulging in moral policing by protesting against the celebration of Valentine's Day on Sunday.
Members of Bajrang Dal carrying saffron flags barged into parks and malls and scared away couples present there.
Even though the Love Day fell on Sunday, the city parks, mulls and multiplexes, which usually get packed in general day, are supposed to witness couples' crowd. But, many opted to remain indoor fearing the activities of radicals.
The saffron-clad activists were prepared at almost all parks and mulls with garland in their hands for force marriage of the couples romancing on public.
"This is murder of Indian culture. Bajarang Dal is protesting against the nude culture and will continue to protest. If you want to celebrate the love day, you should follow the love story of Lord Ram and Sita. Foreign culture will not be allowed under any circumstances", Bajarang Dal leader Bhupesh Nayak said.
"We are not against love but we oppose indecent and public display of love and blindly following western culture, said another activist.
On the other hand police kept a close watch on the activists. Adequate police personnel have been deployed at several places in the city to prevent any untoward incidents. Patrolling has been intensified, DCP Satyabrat Bhoi said."Demonstrating in democratic manner is everybody's right. But any type of violent demonstration will not be allowed", Bhoi added.