Iftar on boat in Ganga sparks row; 14 arrested in Varanasi
According to officials, the video circulated widely on social media, depicting a group hosting Iftar midstream on the Ganga and eating food on a boat.
Varanasi: In a controversial incident, Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested 14 persons belonging to the Muslim community for allegedly organising an Iftar gathering on a boat in the sacred Ganga River. The action follows a viral video showing participants consuming biryani during the gathering, triggering outrage among certain groups.
According to officials, the video circulated widely on social media, depicting a group hosting Iftar midstream on the Ganga and eating food on a boat. The incident drew sharp reactions, with allegations that the act hurt religious sentiments and disrespected a site considered sacred by Hindus.
The arrests were made based on a written complaint filed by Rajat Jaiswal, a functionary of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha. In his complaint, Jaiswal alleged that organising an Iftar on the river and consuming biryani in such a manner amounted to desecration of a holy site.
He stated that followers of Sanatana Dharma hold deep and unwavering faith in the Ganga River, with thousands of devotees visiting Varanasi daily to perform rituals and prayers. “Throwing leftover food into the river after eating on a boat is highly inappropriate and appears to have been done with the intention of hurting religious sentiments,” he alleged.
Police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions related to hurting religious sentiments, promoting enmity between groups, public nuisance, and polluting public water sources. Relevant provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, have also been invoked.
Speaking to the media, Vijay Pratap Singh confirmed that the video went viral on Monday and showed individuals holding an Iftar gathering on a boat in the Ganga. He added that further investigation is underway to ascertain all aspects of the incident.
The episode has once again sparked debate over religious sensitivities, use of public spaces, and the role of social media in amplifying local incidents into larger controversies.
