Daijiworld Media Network - Varanasi

Varanasi, May 22: A viral video showing a young man allegedly consuming beer while bathing in the River Ganges in Varanasi has triggered outrage among devotees and prompted police action.

According to police, the video shows the man drinking beer while taking a dip in the river. Authorities identified the accused as a resident of Rohtas, and efforts are underway to arrest him.

Speaking on the matter, Atul Anjan Tripathi said police had taken cognisance of the viral video and registered an FIR under relevant sections.

“A complaint has been received and an FIR has been registered. The location of the incident and the authenticity of the video are being thoroughly investigated. The man is a resident of Rohtas in Bihar, and a police team will be sent there for his arrest,” he said.

The officer added that regular police patrolling is carried out in the area and appealed to devotees and visitors not to engage in activities that hurt religious sentiments or disturb public order.

“We appeal to people not to do anything that may offend anyone’s faith or go against religious beliefs and public order,” he stated.

The incident comes amid earlier controversies linked to activities on the Ganges in Varanasi, including allegations during Ramzan of people consuming biriyani on boats and throwing leftover bones into the river after an iftar gathering, as well as separate reports of beer parties being organised on boats in the river.