Lovers in Hyderabad find parks closed on Valentine's Day

All major parks in Hyderabad were shut Thursday to prevent any untoward incident on Valentine's Day in view of threats by some rightwing Hindu groups. Police directed municipal authorities to lock all big parks following threats by groups such as the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad to 'counsel' and even forcibly marry couples seen in parks and other public places. They argue that the celebrating the day is against Indian culture. Indira Park, Sundarayya Park, Lumbini Park, KBR National Park and other major parks were locked.  Officials of  Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) said parks would remain closed till 4 pm.