Journalism of Courage
Belligerent Shiv Sainiks on Saturday forced some couples celebrating Valentines Day at Khadakvasla to tie the knot by putting garlands around each others neck. Not one couple has lodged a formal police complaint against members of Bharatiya Vidyarthi Sena till late in the evening.
According to the police,a group of local Shiv Sena members asked the couples at chowpati near Khadakvasla dam to stop their celebrations. Some couples told the Sena members that they were already engaged and would be getting married soon.
However,the Sainiks asked these couples to put garlands around each others neck to prove what they said. The Sainiks forcibly put on a flower band on the boys head and even forced the girl to put the garland around the boys neck.
An eyewitness said the Sainiks forced at least three couples to marry in this manner.
They,however,did not attack or subject any of the couples to physical harassment. Most of the couples were,in fact,seen laughing when the Sainiks solemnized the marriage.
The police have not arrested any of the Shiv Sainiks involved in the incident. DSP Ravindra Kadam said,We will be arresting the Sainiks who troubled the couples at Khadakvasla. Efforts are on to nab them.
