Pune: BJP Workers Vandalise Salon in Kothrud Over ‘Love Jihad’ Allegation
Pune: BJP Workers Vandalise Salon in Kothrud Over ‘Love Jihad’ Allegation
Pune: BJP workers allegedly vandalised a unisex salon in Pune’s Kothrud area and assaulted staff members on Monday, claiming that a girl was coerced into converting to Islam by an employee. However, police later clarified that no evidence of forced religious conversion has been found.
A video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows BJP workers storming into Arsh Unisex Salon with black paint, threatening staff members, vandalising property, and ordering the salon to shut down.
BJP worker Ujwala Goud alleged that the girl was forced into marriage with Armaan Khan, an employee at the salon, and was paid ₹1 lakh to remain silent about the alleged conversion. She further claimed the girl was pressured to accept Islam against her will.
However, police officials offered a different version of events. They said that the girl and the employee in question got married a year ago. Both worked at the same salon and were residing together in a paying guest accommodation, with the rent paid by the salon owner. A financial dispute between them appears to have triggered the conflict.
A police official stated, “There is no technical evidence suggesting forced religious conversion or that the girl was made to recite any religious text. Her statement has been recorded both in writing and on video. The matter is under investigation.”
Sources revealed that a heated argument between the couple at the salon led the girl to call a friend, after which BJP workers intervened. It has since emerged that the girl does not belong to the religion initially claimed in the allegation.
Police are continuing their investigation and have appealed for calm.
