Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 17: A viral video allegedly showing a group hosting an iftar gathering on a boat in the middle of the Ganga River in Varanasi has stirred controversy online and led to police action, with 14 people taken into custody.
The footage, widely circulated on social media platforms such as Instagram, appears to show several individuals seated on a small boat during sunset, sharing food that reportedly included chicken biryani and other non-vegetarian dishes. Critics claimed the group not only consumed meat on the river but also discarded food waste and bones into the water, an act many said disrespected the religious sanctity of the Ganga.
The river holds deep spiritual importance for millions of devotees who visit Varanasi’s ghats to perform rituals, prayers, and ceremonial bathing. Because of this significance, the video triggered strong reactions and complaints from members of the public.
Following a complaint lodged by a leader from the BJP’s youth wing, Kotwali police registered a case against the individuals involved as well as the operator of the boat. Authorities invoked several legal provisions related to hurting religious sentiments, causing environmental pollution, and creating a public nuisance.
Confirming the development, ACP Kotwali Vijay Pratap Singh said police acted after receiving information about the viral Instagram clip. According to him, the video showed people eating from a container of chicken biryani placed at the centre of the boat and allegedly throwing bones into the river afterward. Police subsequently detained 14 people connected to the incident.
Investigators are currently verifying the authenticity of the video and working to identify all those who appear in the footage. Officials stated that further action will be taken if violations of environmental or public order laws are confirmed.
Authorities also noted that river and coastal police units have begun intensifying monitoring of boats in the area to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The episode has once again sparked debate about maintaining respect for religious traditions and protecting the environment in public spaces, particularly in spiritually significant cities like Varanasi where faith, tourism, and civic responsibilities intersect.