Nagpur Couples Express Anxiety Over Moral Policing Ahead of Valentine's Day
As Valentine's Day draws near, shop fronts across Nagpur are adorned with vibrant roses and festive decorations, yet many young couples report a growing sense of unease in public spaces. Rather than feeling free to celebrate, they describe navigating these areas with caution due to fears of harassment by groups claiming to protect cultural or religious values.
Widespread Incidents Fuel Local Concerns
Across India, past years have witnessed viral incidents where couples were confronted, shamed, ink-smeared, or even assaulted in the name of safeguarding traditions. While Nagpur has largely avoided such dramatic flare-ups, local youngsters told sources that the broader pattern has created an undercurrent of anxiety, raising critical questions about the safety of the city's public spaces for young people.
"Everyone should be free to celebrate Valentine's Day or not—it's a personal choice," emphasized college student Akanksha Singh. "If someone disagrees, that's acceptable. However, confronting or harassing individuals in public is unjust. Public areas must remain safe for all, provided no laws are being broken."
Personal Experiences Highlight the Issue
A media student characterized the problem as moral policing by self-righteous groups operating under the guise of protecting Indian culture. They noted that even those who haven't directly faced harassment often hesitate to celebrate openly, fearing potential incidents.
One young couple recounted an uncomfortable episode at a public garden last year. "We were merely walking—not even holding hands. A group approached us and accused us of setting a bad example for children. Their reaction was completely overblown," the woman shared. Her partner added, "We chose not to argue and left quietly to avoid escalation."
Adapting Celebrations for Safety
In response to these concerns, many young people in Nagpur are now planning Valentine's Day with heightened caution. Strategies include:
- Opting for private cafés instead of public parks
- Avoiding crowded locations to reduce visibility
- Celebrating indoors for added privacy
- Consciously limiting public displays of affection to avoid unwanted attention
Police Response and Preventive Measures
Deputy Commissioner of Police Rushikesh Reddy informed sources that authorities have intensified patrolling in areas deemed more susceptible to such incidents. "We are identifying sensitive spots and boosting patrol presence there. These groups lack legal authority to impose their views on others and are not above the law," he stated.
Reddy further explained that preventive meetings have been conducted with leaders of certain organizations to ensure public order. "Our primary goal is prevention. We hope no incidents occur, but if anyone takes the law into their own hands, strict action will be taken against the miscreants," he affirmed, underscoring the commitment to maintaining safety and freedom in Nagpur's public spaces.
