14 Individuals Detained by Varanasi Police Over Alleged Iftar Event on Ganga Boats
In Varanasi, law enforcement officials on Tuesday apprehended 14 young men for reportedly hosting an Iftar gathering on boats in the Ganga River.
Authorities allege that the group consumed chicken biryani during the event and subsequently discarded leftover food into the river.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Vijay Pratap Singh stated that the action was initiated after a video of the incident surfaced on social media platforms.
Based on the footage, police identified and detained the individuals involved. According to officials, all the accused are in their twenties and are residents of the city, working in saree shops.
Police sources indicated that the gathering allegedly took place on Sunday, with participants filming the occasion on their mobile devices, seemingly to create content for social media.
“We are examining the intent behind the act and questioning those involved. Legal proceedings are being carried out as per applicable provisions,” Singh said.
The First Information Report (FIR) was registered following a complaint lodged by Rajat Jaiswal, the district president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha.
The case has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to defiling a place of worship with intent to insult religious beliefs (Section 298), deliberate acts intended to outrage religious sentiments (Section 299), promoting disharmony among groups (Section 196), causing public nuisance (Section 270), and using evidence known to be false (Section 223).
Additionally, provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act have also been invoked.
As per the complaint, the Ganga River holds immense spiritual importance for followers of Sanatan Dharma and is regarded as a sacred symbol of faith.
Every day, thousands of devotees from across the country and abroad visit its banks to perform religious rituals and partake in its holy waters.
The complainant alleged that the act of consuming non-vegetarian food and disposing of leftovers into the river has deeply offended religious sentiments and caused widespread public displeasure.
Furthermore, the complaint calls for strict action against the boat operator involved, including imposing penalties and revoking the licence without delay.
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