3 min readNew DelhiApr 3, 2023 07:30 AM IST
First published on: Apr 3, 2023 at 06:50 AM IST
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) organised a ‘Bhavya Bhagwa Yatra’ in Gurgaon Sunday, which saw hundreds of men allegedly raising slogans and brandishing weapons. The 3-km-long rally was held from Sector 5 to Atul Kataria Chowk.
Gurgaon Police officers said the rally was illegal as the VHP didn’t take permission for it. Police said they have registered a case against unknown persons for disturbing peace, brandishing weapons and creating disharmony as they are yet to identify those involved. No arrest has been made yet.
According to police sources, hundreds of men, some atop bulldozers, vans and SUVs, allegedly raised “Jai Shri Ram” slogans and marched on the streets for almost an hour. Purported videos of the rally show men, clad in white and saffron, brandishing swords and dancing on the streets. Some also perform stunts on their bikes. Visuals from the area also show posters of the VHP on vehicles.
No police personnel were spotted on the ground. Locals alleged the men also removed a group of girls and boys from Tikona park to continue their rally. The rally started around 10 am and went on till 11 am. VHP officials said it was a peaceful yatra organised to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti in the city.
Ajit Singh, VHP district head and Gurgaon resident, told The Indian Express, “We had planned to go from Sector 5 to Atul Kataria Chowk. We did as we planned. We didn’t hurt anyone. Why have the police registered a case? To my knowledge, nobody in the organisation knows about the FIR. Police can’t do whatever they like… we didn’t break any laws.”
When asked about the men brandishing weapons, Singh did not comment.
VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal said they haven’t been told about any FIR. “We don’t understand what police are doing…and why? I am checking with organisation members.”
In a statement, Gurgaon Police said: “On Sunday, a yatra/procession was taken out by some persons illegally without permission. When this procession reached Sadar Bazar (near the mosque), some anti-social elements shouted slogans and demonstrated by waving swords etc. with the intention of disturbing social harmony and peace. Taking cognizance… Gurugram Police has registered a case under IPC sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 504 (intentional insult by provoking breach of peace) and 144 (joining unlawful assembly armed with a deadly weapon).”
Gurgaon Police spokesperson Subhash Boken said, “We came to know about the rally on social media. Nobody had complained about it. We are not sure who all are involved… hence, nobody has been named. Multiple accused will be held.”
A screengrab of the video of the rally 
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