The police action came after a complaint was lodged against them based on a viral video
NEW DELHI — When it comes to Muslims, police authorities in states controlled by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) go whole hog to ensnare them in cases, which fall flat later. In the recent case, 14 Muslims were arrested for organising an iftar party (breaking of fast) onboard a ship in the middle of the Ganges in Varanasi. The police action came after a complaint was lodged against them for consuming non-veg food during their party.
A video of the party, widely shared on social media platforms, triggered the police complaint.
The video purportedly shows people eating non-vegetarian food, biryani on the river and disposing of leftovers into the water, which critics argue hurt religious sentiments in the Hindu sacred city.
It is alleged that the act was disrespectful to the religious sanctity of the Ganges, a river revered by millions of Hindus who perform rituals and take ceremonial baths along its ghats.
The argument raises some genuine questions, which the BJP needs to clear. One Twitterati, referring to the incident, asked: The sentiments of these BJP men don’t get hurt when:
– Industry dumps waste in the Ganga.
– When people shit in the Ganga
– When they dispose of idols in the water
– or even dead bodies & arthi ashes
Their sentiment only hurts if Muslims who eat on a boat
Following a complaint filed by a youth wing leader of the BJP, the Kotwali police registered a case against those involved and the boat operator. Multiple sections of the law were invoked, including those related to outraging religious feelings, environmental pollution, and public nuisance.
Police sources say they are also verifying the authenticity of the video and identifying all those seen in it.
The case has reignited discussions about respect for religious sentiments and environmental protection in public spaces, especially in cities like Varanasi, where spiritual traditions and tourism intersect.
Vijay Pratap Singh, ACP Kotwali, was quoted by IANS as saying: “Yesterday we received information regarding a video going viral on Instagram of a few people holding an iftar party on a boat, eating and throwing bones into the river. There was a container in the middle holding chicken biryani from which they were eating. After that, 14 people were arrested.”
Officials have emphasised that no one is above the law, and those found guilty of violating guidelines related to pollution or public order will face legal consequences. They also noted that coastal and river police units are now monitoring boats more closely to prevent similar incidents.
