BANGALORE
Pramod Muthalik and 140 supporters were arrested in Karnataka as a preventive measure in a police crackdown
Srirama Sene leader Pramod Muthalik and 140 supporters were arrested in Karnataka as a preventive measure in a police crackdown on the Hindutva fringe group today in the wake of their threats to disrupt Saturday's Valentine's Day celebrations.
The arrests which were continuing tonight came even as right wing groups and 'moral policemen' came under police watch especially in Bangalore, Mangalore and the four metros to prevent any cupid chaos following threats to prey on lovers.
Muthalik was arrested at Kamalapura when he was travelling from Bidar towards Gulbarga while in Bangalore city around 140 Sena activists were rounded up and remanded to judicial custody till February 16.
"Muthalik has been taken into preventive custody", state ADGP (Law & Order), AR Infant said.
"All precautionary measures have been taken and all station house officers have been asked to be alert so that there is no untoward incident tomorrow," Karnataka Home minister VS Acharya said, adding "It is out responsibility to see that no one takes law into their hand." The Sri Ram Sene has also threatened to marry off couples who are dating.
The arrested persons have been booked under various sections of IPC including 153A (promoting enemity among various religious groups and sections) 355 (causing injury to honour of women) among others, Bidari said. Unconfirmed reports said the Sene's convener in Mangalore Prasad Attavar was also picked up police.
As dreamy-eyed couples prepare to imbibe Westernised thoughts of romance, the Valentine's Day celebrations in the country is again showing signs of becoming an annual battle between the romantics and activists of right wing groups.
With reminders going out from some outfits that the festivities are "alien"" to Indian culture, elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure trouble free celebrations.
Police said leaders of outfits like Sri Ram Sene and Rashtriya Hindu Sene are especially under the scanner to ensure that any protests does not snowball into a major law and order problem.
Bangalore Police commissioner Shankar Bidari said, "We have so far arrested about 140 suspects who can cause disturbances tomorrow and remanded to judicial custody till February 16. Arrests are continuing", Bangalore City police commissioner Shankar Bidari said.
In Bangalore, 18,000 police personnel had been deployed to provide security cover, Bidari said, adding all pubs, bars and restaurants, schools, colleges and even shops selling Valentine Day cards will be provided security.
In the capital, Police made elaborate security arrangements in the wake of the Sene's plans to have 10 mobile teams to scour the city to ensure that couples do not resort to public display of affection in an obscene manner.
'Full baarati vibes': Vietnamese man's epic 'nagin dance' steals show at Mumbai event
Tilak Varma credits THIS player for his century against South Africa, says 'He gave me...'
UPSC IFS Mains Admit Card 2024 to be released today at upsc.gov.in, check direct link to download
'Be prepared for...': Rupali Ganguly's stepdaughter Esha Verma REACTS to Rs 50 crore defamation case
Saudi, Iran: Cautious dance toward détente?
Anushka Sharma shares glimpse of Children’s Day special dish for daughter Vamika, son Akaay
Jaw-dropping! Man wraps massive green anaconda around his shoulders, internet says...
Donald Trump plans to end Russia-Ukraine war with THIS move, is expected to 'soon' appoint...
As pollution worsens in Delhi with AQI at 'severe' level, experts at COP29 urge India to...
SDM Assault Case: 60 people arrested in Rajasthan's Tonk
Veg thali cost more than non-veg thali in October, here's why
Land drug trafficking patterns in North-Eastern Region
Shillong Teer Result November 14, 2024: Know updates on lucky winning numbers
Mukesh Ambani's SUPERHIT offer for Jio users: Get unlimited validity for 84 days at just Rs...
Delhi air quality dips to 'severe' category as AQI nears dangerous...
Bigg Boss OTT-fame Bhojpuri actress Akshara Singh receives extortion threat
‘All I do is…’: After Arjun Kapoor confirms breakup with Malaika Arora, her cryptic video goes viral
World Diabetes Day 2024: Types, causes, precaution to avoid this chronic disease
Children's Day 2024: 50 WhatsApp wishes, messages, quotes to share on bal diwas
AUS vs PAK Live Streaming: When and where to watch Australia vs Pakistan 1st T20I live in India?
IND vs SA: Ramandeep Singh achieves THIS feat on T20I debut, joins Suryakumar Yadav in elite list
Meet man who used to earn just Rs 65, now heads Rs 23416 crore company, he is…
DNA TV Show: Arsh Dalla, Khalistani terrorist, arrested in Canada
Pushpa 2 first review: Rashmika Mandanna says Allu Arjun movie is 'freaking amazing'
SA vs IND: Tilak Varma scripts history with maiden century in 3rd T20I against South Africa
Delhi becomes world's most polluted city, overtakes Pakistan's Lahore, AQI recorded at...
Last Supermoon of 2024: Know when and how to watch it and other details here
Noida man arrested for creating ‘cannabis nursery’ inside house after being inspired by…
Actor John Krasinski named 'Sexiest Man Alive 2024' by People magazine
Meet outsider who worked in bank for eight years, became OTT star, will now star opposite Kajol in..
What is wedding invitation scam, how to protect yourself from it?
Arjun Tendulkar achieves rare feat which father Sachin Tendulkar never did in his 25-year career
Mukesh Ambani suffers Rs 12548 crore loss after buying Star from Disney, here's how
Ananya Panday sets Instagram on fire in sizzling bikini; BFF Suhana Khan, mom Bhavana Pandey react
International Trade Fair 2024 in Delhi from Nov 14: Know ticket price, timings, venue and more
SA vs IND: Varun Chakravarthy eyes Ravichandran Ashwin's all-time India record in T20Is
This govt company sold Rs 28880000000 shares of Ratan Tata firm, reduces its holding to...
Delhi Air Pollution: AQI hits 'Severe' category, record high in India today with 418
Tesla CEO Elon Musk spreading misinformation on X? His own AI model says...
Independent candidate slaps SDM outside booth during Rajasthan bypolls, watch video here
Viral video: Vistara crew bids emotional farewell on last flight before merger with Air India, watch
NBR Group Redefines Luxury Living With New Brand Identity, Tagline, and Logo
Resham Kamboj: Empowering Souls and Financial Freedom Through Spiritual Mentorship
NTPC Green Energy Rs 10000 crore IPO: Check subscription date, price band, lot size and more
India’s first hydrogen train to start trials soon: Check route, features, top speed to be…
Tejasvi Jaiswal's selfless sacrifice for brother Yashasvi Jaiswal rewarded with life's greatest gift
Mukesh Ambani, Isha Ambani to shut down these outlets under Reliance Retail due to...
Watch viral video: This MP stole Bill and ran away with intention to...