PATNA: With just two days remaining for Valentine’s Day, warning posters appeared at several locations across Patna. Issued by the Hindu Shivbhawani Sena, the posters prominently carry the slogan, “Jahan milenge babu-sona, tod denge kona-kona”, a direct threat suggesting that couples found together would face serious consequences, including physical assault.The group described Valentine’s Day celebrations as being against Hindu and Indian cultural values, alleging that the occasion promotes obscenity, nudity, religious conversion and what it terms “love jihad”. The organisation objects to the entire period from Chocolate Day to Feb 14, claiming it erodes traditional Indian morals.

The posters warn that members of the outfit will patrol public places such as parks and restaurants and keep couples under close watch. If any “obscene” behaviour is noticed, volunteers would intervene forcibly, using sticks and rods to “teach a lesson”.The posters also urge people to dedicate the day to honouring martyrs, mentioning that the Pulwama terror attack occurred on Valentine’s Day and suggesting the date should instead be observed as a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives.Luv Kumar Singh, national president, Hindu Shivbhawani Sena, said in a video message: “Love is a sacred feeling, but if anyone is seen engaging in obscene acts in public places under the pretext of love, using showy names like ‘babu-sona’, then our strict vigil will remain on them. Under the influence of Western culture, some people behave indecently in public places, polluting the social environment. We demand that the administration ensure strict action in such cases.”He warned that if people were found indulging in obscene activities in public places on Feb 14, the organisation would respond with force and take strict action.Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma told TOI that strict action would be taken against anyone disrupting law and order or creating a public nuisance, including harassment or violence. “We deployed additional security personnel and guards in key locations to prevent any untoward incidents, obscenity and ensure a peaceful environment. Major areas across Patna are fully covered under these arrangements,” he said.