Bhubaneswar: Police on Wednesday took into preventive custody 30 members of a fringe outfit for creating nuisance during Valentine's Day celebrations.

The police said no untoward incidents took place during on Valentine's Day as most of the parks were deserted.

The police picked up the members of the fringe group from its office located at Baramunda where they had gathered to oppose the Valentine's Day celebrations.

"We were getting ready to protest peacefully, but the police took us into illegal custody. However, we have deployed our other members at various parks," said a member of the outfit.

On the other hand, a few women on Wednesday came out in support of the celebrations and had a face-off with a right-wing outfit when they tried to barge into a mall at Kharavela Nagar. The courage of the women activists forced the members of the group to flee.

"Is it a crime to express love? How come these groups are protesting against people expressing their love for one another? We are against those harassing others in the name of moral policing. This is violation of liberty," said Tapasi Praharaj, a member of the women group.

While the garden of Ekamra Kanan remained closed for annual maintenance, several other public parks such as IG Park and Forest Park wore a deserted look.

However, the young couples were spotted at malls and cinemas.

Deputy commissioner of police Satyabrata Bhoi said the police detained the members of the fringe outfit in apprehension.

"Seven platoons of police were deployed at various malls and parks to thwart any untoward incidents," said Bhoi.