By Shishir Arya / The Times of India
Nagpur: A bike rally to mark the 60th year of the foundation of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had youths brandishing swords as they rode down city streets.
The rally, which is part of the organization’s diamond jubilee celebrations, started off from Gokarshan Sabha off Wardha Road and culminated at Geeta Mandir, Subhash Road, after passing through Sitabuldi.
Some of the participants in the rally were seen carrying sticks, while some youths were raising swords. TOI spotted the rally at Rahate Colony Square and near Samvidhan Square. Sources said some goons with criminal records too were present at the rally and brandished swords.
VHP officials said those carrying swords were not members of the organization but were taking part in the rally on behalf of various akharas (gyms) located in the city. “There are a number of such akharas in the city where youths are taught martial arts of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s era. It’s a sport and displays are also held on occasions like Shivaji Jayanti, Gudi Padwa and other festivals,” said Niranjan Risaldar, VHP’s prachar pramukh for Nagpur.
This story was originally published in timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Read the full story here