UP birthday party turns into disturbing ordeal: Mob thrashes men at cafe over ‘love jihad’ claims | Watch
A birthday celebration in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly descended into chaos after a mob allegedly attacked guests at a café over unverified "love jihad" claims. Videos of the incident have gone viral on social media, prompting police action and a departmental inquiry into alleged inaction by local authorities.
New Delhi: At least 25 right-wing activists allegedly barged into a birthday party at a café in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly, assaulted several guests, and created a ruckus. The group, which reportedly included a self-proclaimed cow vigilante, disrupted the birthday celebration of a 20-year-old nursing student by raising "love jihad" slogans, forcing the event to come to an abrupt halt.
According to reports, the mob objected to the presence of two Muslim men at the party and raised objectionable slogans targeting them. Videos of the incident later surfaced on social media, following which the police took action in connection with the alleged assault and harassment by the right-wing activists. However, the victims claimed that instead of acting against the attackers, the police fined two students and a café staff member for allegedly causing a "breach of peace.”
Departmental inquiry initiated against SHO over alleged inaction
The video footage shows right-wing members confronting the two men shortly after the party began, following which they allegedly thrashed them. A woman who attempted to intervene was also reportedly assaulted. Other clips from the spot capture heated exchanges inside the café, with men shouting slogans and pushing attendees. Another video shows police personnel restraining a young woman as she protested against the treatment meted out to her friends.
Bareilly Superintendent of Police (SP) clarified that an FIR has been registered against the attackers, and several accused have been arrested under sections related to rioting, criminal trespass, criminal intimidation, and voluntarily causing hurt. The SP also sought an explanation from the Station House Officer (SHO) over the alleged inaction during the incident, following which a departmental inquiry was initiated. The SP further stated that claims of "love jihad” were found to be baseless.
The incident occurred on Saturday, when the student—originally from Budaun—hosted a birthday party at a café. She is a hostel resident and had reportedly invitedfive women and four men to the celebration.
How frequent are these disruptions?
The Bareilly episode follows a pattern of similar disruptions reported in recent years. Right-wing groups have increasingly targeted mixed-gender or interfaith gatherings, particularly in private or semi-public spaces, on allegations of "love jihad.” Such incidents often result in brief detentions or preventive actions, raising concerns about vigilante conduct and the balance between maintaining public order and protecting individual rights.
In a related incident on December 24, 2025, a Bareilly-based right-wing group, along with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), staged a protest outside a prominent church in the city. Protesters chanted the Hanuman Chalisa and raised slogans such as "Jai Shri Ram” and "Har Har Mahadev”, alleging that a Christmas play organised by an affiliated school was an "anti-Hindu” act.