A viral video of an Iftar gathering on a boat in the Ganga River sparked outrage, leading to the arrest of 14 young men on March 17, 2026, after allegations they consumed chicken biryani and discarded leftovers into the sacred waters. The incident unfolded on March 16 near Panchganga Ghat, where the group—local Muslim men in their twenties employed at saree shops—allegedly hosted the sunset meal featuring non-vegetarian fare from a container, then tossed bones and waste directly into the river.

BJP Yuva Morcha City Chief Rajat Jaiswal filed the complaint at Kotwali police station, accusing them of hurting Hindu sentiments, defiling a holy site, and polluting the Ganga, prompting swift action under relevant IPC sections. Police, led by ACP Vijay Pratap Singh, mobilized teams post-video circulation on social media, apprehending all 14 within hours amid public fury over perceived disrespect to the river revered by Hindus. The footage showed lifejacket-clad participants enjoying the feast mid-river, amplifying accusations of insensitivity during the holy month of Ramadan in this pilgrimage city.

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Varanasi Police confirmed the FIR includes charges for mischief, outraging religious feelings, and environmental violation, with an investigation underway to verify claims and assess further culpability. The arrests highlight simmering communal tensions in Kashi, where Ganga's sanctity intersects with diverse practices, often politicized by local outfits.

This episode echoes past river pollution disputes and interfaith frictions, underscoring enforcement challenges during festivals amid social media's rapid amplification. Authorities emphasize maintaining harmony as Ramadan progresses toward Eid, while the accused face judicial proceedings.

The row reignites debates on cultural etiquette around shared sacred spaces, with online discourse split between pollution concerns and rights to public waterways. Varanasi's unique Hindu-Muslim fabric now navigates this flashpoint, balancing devotion, law, and coexistence.

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