Bareilly Cafe Owner’s Business Ruined After ‘Love Jihad’ Mob Attack

'No one coming to my cafe': Bareilly cafe owner says business hit after mob attacks bday party

The festive season is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but for Shailendra Gangwar, the owner of a cafe in Bareilly, it has become a period of fear, financial loss, and despair. His cafe, once a hub for young people and a symbol of his hard work, now sits eerily empty. Why? Because a mob, incited by baseless allegations of ‘love jihad,’ stormed a private birthday party, turning a simple celebration into a national story of vigilantism and its crushing impact on small businesses.

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A Night of Celebration Turned to Chaos

On a Saturday evening in late December 2025, a group of students, including a female nursing student, gathered at Gangwar’s cafe for a private birthday party. What should have been a night of cake, music, and friends quickly descended into violence. A mob of nearly 25 right-wing activists, reportedly affiliated with the Bajrang Dal, stormed the premises .

According to multiple reports, the mob began assaulting the guests, hurling abuses, and shouting slogans of ‘love jihad’—a term often used without evidence to stoke fear and division . The victims repeatedly assured the attackers that it was merely a birthday party, but their pleas fell on deaf ears . The chaos only subsided when the police finally intervened.

The Devastating Impact on the Bareilly Cafe Owner

The immediate aftermath of the Bareilly cafe attack was not just the physical violence but the lasting shadow it cast over the business. “No one is coming to my cafe. People are afraid,” Shailendra Gangwar told the Times of India, his voice filled with resignation . The incident has caused severe financial and reputational damage, with expensive cafe items reportedly damaged during the attack .

Adding insult to injury, the police initially detained Gangwar and two party attendees for ‘breach of peace’ before releasing them on bail. It was only after significant social media backlash that an FIR was finally filed against the attackers on December 28, 2025 . This sequence of events highlights a troubling pattern where the victims are often treated as perpetrators, leaving business owners like Gangwar to grapple with the consequences alone.

‘Love Jihad’ Allegations and the Rise of Moral Policing

This incident is not an isolated event but a stark example of the growing trend of moral policing in India. Vigilante groups are increasingly taking it upon themselves to enforce their own code of morality, often targeting innocuous gatherings or businesses . The baseless ‘love jihad’ conspiracy theory is a frequent weapon in their arsenal, used to justify harassment and violence .

Such actions create a chilling effect, making public spaces feel unsafe for ordinary citizens who simply wish to celebrate life. This is not just a social issue; it’s a direct threat to the economy.

A Pattern of Persecution Against Small Businesses?

Gangwar’s story is a cautionary tale for every small business owner in the country. His cafe is not just a commercial venture; it’s his livelihood, his dream, and his contribution to the local economy. When vigilante mobs are allowed to disrupt business with impunity, it sends a message that private property and personal freedom are secondary to their agenda.

This is part of a larger, concerning trend. Experts have noted that moral policing is creating “regulatory uncertainties which investors don’t like” and has the potential to “derail India’s growth story” . From Valentine’s Day celebrations to non-vegetarian food shops, businesses across various sectors are finding themselves in the crosshairs of these groups .

The impact is tangible:

  • Lost Revenue: Customers stay away, fearing for their safety, leading to immediate financial losses.
  • Reputational Damage: An association with a ‘controversial’ event, even if falsely accused, can tarnish a brand for years.
  • Erosion of Trust: The feeling that authorities may not protect their business can stifle entrepreneurship and innovation.

For a nation that prides itself on its entrepreneurial spirit, this is a dangerous path. [INTERNAL_LINK:moral-policing-india-business-impact] explores this issue in greater depth.

Conclusion: A Call for Safe Spaces and Accountability

The Bareilly cafe attack is more than just a local news story; it’s a national wake-up call. It underscores the urgent need for law enforcement to act decisively against vigilante groups and to protect the rights of citizens to gather safely in public spaces. Business owners should not have to live in fear that their establishment could be targeted for hosting a private party.

Shailendra Gangwar’s plea—”No one is coming to my cafe”—is a heartbreaking testament to the real-world consequences of unchecked moral policing. It’s a reminder that behind every headline is a life and a livelihood being destroyed. As a society, we must demand accountability for the attackers and create an environment where small businesses can thrive, not just survive.

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