Five Arrested in Bareilly Cafe Assault Linked to 'Love Jihad' Claims

Incident Overview

On Monday, authorities apprehended five individuals in connection with a violent incident that occurred on December 27 at a cafe in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. This group allegedly attacked students celebrating a birthday, as reported by a local news outlet.

Allegations of 'Love Jihad'

The attackers accused two Muslim attendees of engaging in 'love jihad,' a controversial term used by some to suggest that Muslim men deceive Hindu women into relationships for conversion purposes. The incident drew significant backlash on social media after videos of the assault circulated widely.

Legal Actions and Arrests

Authorities in Bareilly initiated legal proceedings against two primary suspects, Rishabh Thakur and Deepak Pathak, along with 25 others who remain unidentified. However, the two main suspects were not among those arrested on Monday, according to unnamed officials.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Prince Singh, Aakash, Ashish Kumar, Mridul Dubey, and Deepak. They were subsequently presented in court and placed in judicial custody, as stated by Circle Officer Ashutosh Shivam.

Controversy Surrounding the Incident

Initial reports indicated that the police had filed charges against the Muslim students and the cafe owner for 'breach of peace,' leading to their temporary detention. This decision raised questions on social media regarding the police's priorities, as many felt the victims were unfairly treated.

Impact on Victims

The student whose birthday celebration was interrupted expressed distress over the incident, stating that her reputation has suffered due to the viral videos. She mentioned feeling unsafe and overwhelmed by the accusations of being involved in 'love jihad,' saying, 'I can’t even step out of my house. I would kill myself if no strict action is taken against them.'