Agra/ Bijnaur/ Aurangabad, Feb. 14 : Saint Valentine''s Day turned out to be a nightmarish experience for a number of lovers across the nation, who fell victim to various radical outfits' violent protest.

In Agra, Shiv Sena activists caught hold of a couple near Taj Mahal and tonsured the Male partner in full public glare.

"We are trying to save our country''s culture and tradition and Shiv Sainiks (members) are taking rounds all over. We came here to stop all vulgar activities that are going on here. As soon as the police came to know about it they arrested us," said Vinu Lavaniya, a Shiv Sena activist.

Police swung into action and took the Sena activists into custody for disrupting peace.

"The arrested Shiv Sainiks were around 10-12 as they do not have any right to assault anybody. Their presence and behaviour made us arrest them as they disrupted peace," said B. P Ashok, superintendent of police.

Many couples in Aurangabad and Bijnaur also faced similar protests. In both the cities, hardliner outfits blackened the faces of couples celebrating Valentines Day.

In another incident, protesters caught hold of a couple and garlanded them in an act of mock marriage.

Popularity of Valentine''s Day can be easily assumed by the soaring prices of gift products like balloons, flowers, velvet pillows and teddy bears around the festival.

But hardliner groups oppose Valentine''s Day celebrations saying it is a symbol of "cultural corruption" due to western influence. (ANI)