Muslim youths who allegedly threw chicken bones, waste in Ganga arrested

Police have arrested 14 Muslim men over the allegation that non-vegetarian food, including chicken biryani, had been consumed during an iftar gathering on a boat in Varanasi and that leftovers were thrown into the Ganga river.

Journalist Piyush Rai shared the video on Instagram, which brought the incident into public attention and led to swift action by authorities.

The video that went viral on social media, showing a group of men hosting an Iftar gathering on a boat in Varanasi, has sparked widespread debate, with many raising concerns about religious sensitivities linked to activities on the Ganga.

The footage reportedly shows 14 Muslim men breaking their fast on a boat near Panchganga Ghat during Ramadan. While some viewers considered it a private religious observance, others criticised it as insensitive given the sacred status of the river, Free Press Journal reported.

Following the circulation of the clip, a complaint was filed by Rajat Jaiswal, President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha in Varanasi, who alleged that religious sentiments were hurt.

Police later confirmed that a case had been registered and all 14 individuals seen in the video had been arrested. According to Vijay Pratap Singh, the allegations surfaced on March 16, prompting authorities to deploy teams to multiple locations given the seriousness of the matter. He indicated that 14 people had been taken into custody and that further legal action would follow, ANI reported.

Officials said that investigations are ongoing and that action would be based on available evidence. They also noted that authorities are examining whether any violations related to environmental norms or public order had occurred.

The incident has drawn attention due to the religious significance of the Ganga, which is revered by millions, with such controversies often triggering strong public reactions when actions are perceived as disrespectful.