5 arrested after vigilantes attack friends celebrating birthday at Bareilly cafe alleging ‘love jihad’

The assailants had also allegedly vandalised the café. Videos of the incident have surfaced on social media.

The FIR was registered against Rishabh and Deepak and 25 of their unidentified associates, police said.

While it was alleged that Rishabh and Deepak, both local residents, have links with the Bajrang Dal, the organisation’s Bareilly coordinator Aryan Chaudhary denied the claim, saying they had no association with the outfit.

The café owner, Shailendra Gangwar, and the two Muslims youths — Shaan and Waqaib —were detained invoking provisions of breach of peace. They were released later on bail on personal bonds, officials said.

“Shaan and Waqif along with the café owner were detained for breach of peace after a heated argument between the two sides. The café was booked for birthday celebration by Shaan and Waqif,” said Rajbali Singh, Station House Officer of Prem Nagar police station.

It was alleged that Rishabh and Deepak are self-proclaimed cow vigilantes and have in the past created disturbances in the area over “love jihad” and other issues.

According to the complainant, the incident took place around 2 pm on Saturday. Rishabh and Deepak, accompanied by unidentified persons, suddenly arrived and created a ruckus, he alleged, adding the group hurled abuses at the staff and customers, assaulted them, and issued death threats.

The assailants vandalised décor and other items inside the restaurant, it was alleged.

In the video circulating on social media, the girl whose birthday was being celebrated is heard saying the assailants levelled false accusations of “love jihad” and assaulted the two Muslim youths.

The FIR against the vigilantes was registered under Sections 333 (house trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint), 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 351 (criminal intimidation), 324 (mischief), 191 (rioting) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, officials said.