Iftar on the Ganga: 14 Arrested Over Biryani on Boat in Varanasi
Iftar on the Ganga: 14 Arrested Over Biryani on Boat in Varanasi
A viral iftar on a Ganga boat in Varanasi spurred controversy and 14 arrests, with officials alleging biryani remnants dumped in the river and claims of hurting religious sentiments.
An iftar gathering on boats on the Ganga near Varanasi sparked controversy after 14 men were arrested over allegations that biryani remnants and chicken bones were dumped into the river. The arrests followed a complaint filed by Rajat Jaiswal, the city unit chief of the BJP Yuva Morcha, who accused the group of deliberately defiling the river to hurt Hindu sentiments.
Police officials said the case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including defiling a place of worship, malicious act with intent to outrage religious feelings, promoting enmity, and public nuisance. A viral video showed the group marking their iftar on a boat on the Ganga, but authorities noted that the clip does not show bones or leftovers being thrown into the water, leaving room for debate about the exact act.
Local authorities emphasized the sacred status of the Ganga for thousands who visit Kashi each day to perform rituals using the river water, and they urged restraint and lawful conduct during religious events. The incident has unfolded amid ongoing sensitivity around religion, tradition, and public order in one of India's most famous spiritual hubs.
While some insist the act was intended to disrespect religious sentiments, others call for calm and a focus on facts as investigations continue and the legal process unfolds.
