Fourteen individuals have been arrested in Varanasi following a viral social media video showing an iftar gathering on a boat in the middle of the Ganga River. The incident, which took place on Monday, sparked significant public outcry after the footage allegedly showed participants consuming chicken biryani and discarding leftover bones into the sacred river.
Acting on a complaint filed by BJP City President Rajat Jaiswal, the Kotwali Police registered a case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to outraging religious feelings, environmental pollution, and public nuisance. All identified accused, including the boat operator, are currently in custody as authorities investigate the authenticity of the footage.
Concerns Over Sanctity And Public Order
The controversy erupted on Tuesday as the video, showing the group breaking their fast at sunset, began circulating widely on platforms like Instagram. According to the complaint, the act of consuming non-vegetarian food and polluting the Ganga a river revered by millions as a deity was a direct affront to the religious sentiments of the city’s residents.
ACP Kotwali, Vijay Pratap Singh, stated, “We received information regarding a video of a few people holding an iftar party on a boat, eating and throwing bones into the river.
Strict action is being taken to ensure that the sanctity of the river and the peace of the city are maintained.” The police have also extended the probe to the boatman for permitting the vessel to be used for the gathering.
Context Of Navigational Restrictions And Sensitivity
Varanasi, often regarded as India’s spiritual capital, has strict local customs and regulations regarding the use of the Ganga, particularly concerning the consumption of meat and alcohol near its banks and on its waters.
This incident follows recent heightened vigilance by the water police and NDRF; earlier this month, local authorities had even restricted boat operations during Holi to prevent unruly behavior and ensure safety.
The current arrests highlight the administration’s stringent stance on activities that could potentially disturb communal harmony or violate environmental norms in the sensitive river ecosystem.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that the beauty of our nation lies in its diverse traditions and the mutual respect we afford to one another’s beliefs. While the act of breaking a fast is a moment of spiritual significance, it is equally important to remain mindful of the sanctity of shared spaces, especially those held sacred by others.
Environmentally, the disposal of waste into our rivers is a concern that transcends religion, impacting the health of our natural heritage. We advocate for a culture of dialogue and empathy where religious practices and public sensitivity coexist harmoniously. Let us celebrate our diversity without overstepping the boundaries of mutual respect and environmental responsibility.
Also Read: Can Digital Tracking Fix Waste Without Breaking India’s Informal Recycling Economy?
UP Police have arrested 14 Muslim men after a video surfaced showing them hosting an Iftar on a boat on the Ganges in Varanasi.
— Dr Ranjan (@Doc_RGM) March 17, 2026
Would they have done the same, if they were white skinned foreigners from the west? pic.twitter.com/jgIlyUg1ju
