Hindu extremists attack birthday party over presence of Muslim friends
Authorities initially registered cases for “disturbing the peace” against the two Muslim students and a café staff member and did not immediately take any action against the attackers
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — A private birthday celebration hosted by a Hindu nursing student in northern India was violently disrupted after Hindu extremist mob stormed a café, assaulted guests, and accused two Muslim attendees of “love jihad” — a conspiracy theory that falsely claims Muslim men target Hindu women for religious conversion.
The incident occurred on Saturday in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, when men linked to Hindu extremists group Bajrang Dal entered the café without permission, objected to the presence of Muslim men with Hindu women, and began physically attacking those present.
The birthday gathering involved ten nursing students — six women and four men. Only two attendees were Muslim; the remaining guests, including the woman whose birthday was being celebrated, were Hindu. Those present said the students were friends and classmates and that the gathering was a private social event.
Videos that later circulated online show the attackers shouting slogans, harassing the birthday girl, and beating her friends inside the café. Family members said several students were injured during the assault, including one Muslim student who suffered fractures to his fingers.
Relatives said the woman has been deeply affected by the incident and did not anticipate that inviting friends from different religious backgrounds would trigger violence. They described the attack as driven by ideological suspicion rather than any behavior by the students.
Despite a preliminary police inquiry reportedly finding nothing unlawful about the gathering, authorities initially registered cases for “disturbing the peace” against the two Muslim students and a café staff member under provisions of the Indian Penal Code. No immediate action was taken against the attackers, who were seen being allowed to leave.
Following public outrage, police later registered a formal case based on a complaint filed by the café owner. The complaint names several individuals for trespass, assault and disruption of business operations. It does not allege any wrongdoing by the students nor does it substantiate claims made by the attackers.
Rights advocates say the incident reflects a broader pattern in which Hindu extremist groups use the “love jihad” narrative to police interfaith friendships and intimidate Muslims in everyday social spaces.
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