Varanasi: A controversy has erupted in Varanasi after police arrested 14 people in connection with an Iftar gathering held on a boat in the Ganga River, where non-vegetarian food was allegedly consumed and discarded into the river.
According to police officials, the action followed the circulation of a viral video on social media showing a group of men hosting an Iftar party while boating near Panchganga Ghat. The video purportedly showed containers of chicken biryani being used during the gathering, with allegations that food remnants were thrown into the river.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Kotwali) Vijay Pratap Singh said a complaint was received on March 16, prompting swift action. “Given the sensitivity of the issue, multiple teams were deployed and 14 individuals have been arrested so far. Further legal action is underway,” he stated.
14 Muslim men have been arrested in #Varanasi, India for having an #iftar on boat…. The FIR was registered based on the complaint filed by a BJP worker for hurting alleged religious sentiments…………#Viral pic.twitter.com/MVkBBHqW9C
— Kashmir News Trust༝ (@kntnewsagency) March 17, 2026
FIR Filed Under Multiple Charges
Police have registered a case at Kotwali Police Station under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to hurting religious sentiments, promoting disharmony, public nuisance, and pollution of water bodies. Provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, have also been invoked.
Location: Varanasi, UP
14 Muslim youths were arrested for holding an Iftar party on a boat in the middle of the Ganges River. It is alleged that during the Iftar party, they consumed chicken biryani and threw the bones into the Ganges, thereby offending religious sentiments. pic.twitter.com/t20bAwvByq
— The Muslim (@TheMuslim786) March 17, 2026
Complaint Sparks Religious Sensitivity Debate
The complaint was filed by Rajat Jaiswal, who alleged that the act had deeply hurt the sentiments of Hindus. He claimed that the Ganga holds immense religious significance in Sanatan Dharma and that consuming non-vegetarian food on its waters — followed by allegedly discarding leftovers — was “highly condemnable”.
Jaiswal further stated that the video, widely shared online, misrepresented the location as being near a mosque, while he claimed it was actually near a temple site, intensifying the outrage.
Video Triggers Online Outrage
The viral footage shows a group of men wearing life jackets, celebrating Iftar while boating on the river. The incident quickly drew sharp reactions on social media, with users expressing concern over religious sensitivity and environmental violations.
Situation Under Watch
Authorities have urged restraint and appealed to the public not to spread unverified content. Officials said the situation is under control, but acknowledged the potential for communal tension in a city known for its deep religious significance.
The incident has once again highlighted the fragile balance between religious practices, public conduct, and social harmony in one of India’s most spiritually significant cities.
