Varanasi police arrested 14 young people accused of organising an Iftar on a boat on the Ganga river, consuming chicken biryani, and discarding leftovers into the water. Authorities are now searching for the boat operator. All accused remain in judicial custody.
On Sunday, 14 individuals in their 20s allegedly organised an Iftar gathering on a single boat on the Ganga in Varanasi. They consumed chicken biryani and disposed of the leftovers into the sacred river, leading to police action. Station House Officer Daya Shankar Singh of Kotwali police station stated, “We are making efforts to trace the boat operator and are also investigating whether any other persons were present on the boat.” Officials noted that the offences in the FIR did not require immediate arrest, so preventive measures were taken under provisions for apprehending breach of peace. Assistant Commissioner of Police Vijay Pratap Singh said the case was registered based on a video showing biryani distribution, not footage of fruits and other items, with determining the motive now central to the probe. Police revealed the group recorded the event on mobile phones, apparently to create social media reels. None of the accused has received bail and all are in judicial custody. Keywords mention BNS Sections 298 and 299, hurting religious sentiments, and the Water Pollution Act. The investigation continues into possible other individuals involved.