Shiv Sena members, led by Pappu Tiwari, organised a “lath pujan” (stick worship) ceremony during Valentine’s Week and issued open threats against couples, chanting, “Wherever we find babu and sona, we will break every corner,” signalling violence. They alleged that Valentine’s Day promotes a “perverse mentality” and serves as a front for alleged “love jihad,” claiming Hindu women are being targeted through the festival. They warned that they would use the sticks against those spreading “obscenity” or acting against “Sanatan,” and threatened to forcibly marry any couples they found celebrating under Hindu customs.