A birthday celebration for a 20-year-old nursing student in Bareilly turned into a nightmare after a group of right-wing activists, including a self-proclaimed cow vigilante, forcibly entered a local cafe, assaulted guests, and raised allegations of 'love jihad'. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has left the young woman traumatized and fearing for her reputation.
The Violent Intrusion and Assault
According to the victim's account, approximately 25 activists barged into the private party at the cafe. The group, led by Rishabh Thakur—an expelled Bajrang Dal member and self-styled cow protector—reportedly thrashed two guests belonging to a minority community. The assailants shouted slogans linking the event to 'love jihad', a conspiracy theory often weaponized against interfaith relationships.
The main accused, Rishabh Thakur, is currently absconding and evading arrest. The student described how her life has been upended since the attack went viral on social media. "Everyone on social media is saying to me that I was a part of love jihad. I can't even step out of my house," she said, adding she would hold the accused responsible if driven to extreme steps due to the lack of strict action.
Police Action and Initial Controversy
Following significant outrage on social media platforms, the Bareilly police took action on Monday, arresting five individuals: Prince Singh (19), Aakash (21), Ashish Kumar (26), Mridul Dubey (22), and Deepak (19). However, the police's initial response had drawn criticism.
Initially, a case was filed against the minority community students present and the cafe owner for "breach of peace," while no immediate action was taken against the attackers. This changed after the online outcry. Bareilly SP (City) Manush Pareek stated that an FIR was registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections for house trespass, voluntarily causing hurt, intentional insult, criminal intimidation, and rioting.
Circle Officer Ashutosh Shivam explained that the two students from the party were booked under preventive sections of the BNSS and were later released. SSP Anurag Arya confirmed that the woman's statement would be recorded on Tuesday, leading to additional charges. Teams have been formed to apprehend Thakur.
Fallout and Denials
The incident has severely impacted the student's mental well-being and social standing. She alleges her reputation has been ruined by the viral videos and false accusations. Attempts to speak to the other students involved were unsuccessful as they refused to comment.
Meanwhile, Ashish Sharma, the 'gau raksha pramukh' of a right-wing group's Bareilly unit, distanced the organization from the violence. He stated that Thakur was no longer part of their group and insisted that his members "were not part of the assault."
The case highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding vigilantism and the weaponization of terms like 'love jihad' in certain regions. It also underscores the powerful role social media now plays in drawing attention to alleged police inaction and shaping public discourse around such sensitive incidents.
