Varanasi/New Delhi: A Varanasi court has remanded 14 individuals to judicial custody for 14 days in connection with the alleged incident of holding an iftar gathering on a boat and dumping non-vegetarian food into the Ganga River.

Judicial Orders and Bail Hearing

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Amit Kumar Yadav ordered that all the accused remain in judicial custody until April 1. The court has scheduled March 23 for hearing their bail pleas.

Incident Linked to Viral Video

The case arose after a viral video circulated on social media earlier this week, reportedly showing a group organising an iftar on a small boat in the Ganga. The clip allegedly depicted participants consuming non-vegetarian food and discarding leftovers, including bones, into the river. Following a complaint by a BJP youth wing leader, Kotwali police registered an FIR under provisions related to outraging religious sentiments, environmental pollution, and public nuisance.

Investigation and Preventive Measures

Police are verifying the authenticity of the video and working to identify all involved. Authorities have also intensified monitoring of boat activities along the Ganga to prevent similar incidents.

Political Reactions and Debate

The controversy sparked wide political reactions:

• BJP MP Dinesh Sharma emphasized the sacredness of the Ganga in Sanatan Dharma, noting that while iftar is sacred, it should occur at designated places to preserve the river’s purity.

• Rajasthan Minister Madan Dilawar condemned the act, warning of strict action against those polluting the Ganga.

• BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj highlighted the importance of respecting religious traditions and community norms.

On the other hand, Congress MPs raised broader perspectives:

• Imran Masood stressed shared responsibility for maintaining Ganga’s purity and highlighted other environmental threats, such as drains discharging directly into the river.

• Ujjwal Raman Singh suggested action should be taken only if rules were violated, noting the context of Roza or Iftar observance should be considered.

Preserving the Sanctity of the Ganga

The incident has reignited debates on balancing religious observances with environmental and cultural preservation, particularly in Varanasi, where the Ganga is central to millions of devotees’ rituals along the ghats.