Iftar on Ganga boat in Varanasi sparks 14 arrests over biryani waste
Iftar on Ganga boat in Varanasi sparks 14 arrests over biryani waste
14 arrests in Varanasi after an iftar on the Ganga, with police alleging disposal of biryani waste to hurt religious sentiments; investigation underway.
An iftar party on the Ganga River in Varanasi has sparked a row, with police saying 14 men were arrested on charges tied to the event. The men were accused of eating chicken biryani aboard a boat and discarding the leftovers in the river, a move described by the complainant as deliberate and intended to hurt Hindu sentiments. A case has been registered under sections 298, 299, 196(1)(B), 270, 279, and 223(B) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
A viral video showed the gathering on a boat marking iftar on the Ganges. While the video did not visibly show bones or waste being tossed into the water, the complaint asserts the act occurred. Vijay Pratap Singh, Additional Commissioner of Police, said the video prompted police action and clarified the investigation is ongoing.
The complainant, Rajat Jaiswal, who leads the local BJP Yuva Morcha unit, urged authorities to treat the incident as an offense against religious sentiments. Local officials stressed the Ganga's sacred status for followers of Sanatan Dharma, noting that thousands visit Kashi daily to perform rituals and use Ganga water. Officials emphasized that the case will be thoroughly investigated to determine facts and intent.
The incident has reignited debate over religious sensibilities and cultural rituals around Varanasi's much-worshipped river, reminding communities of the need for peaceful coexistence even when digital videos fuel controversy.
