14 held after video of chicken biryani consumption on Ganga boat sparks outrage in Varanasi

Ganga boat video controversy leads to arrests, raises concerns over sanctity and pollution

March 18, 2026

Police invoke multiple charges after alleged act hurting religious sentiments on the Ganga river

Varanasi row: Arrests made over video of food consumption on Ganga

Fourteen people have been arrested in Varanasi after a videoshowing individuals consuming chicken biryani during an Iftar gathering on a boat in the Ganga River triggered widespread outrage.

According to police, the video surfaced on social media on Monday, prompting strong reactions over concerns related to religious sentiments and the sanctity of the river, which holds deep spiritual significance in Hinduism.

Complaint filed, FIR registered

The case was registered at Kotwali police station following a complaint by Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha city unit chief Rajat Jaiswal.

Jaiswal alleged that hosting such an event on the Ganga and disposing of food waste in the river was “completely inappropriate” and appeared intended to hurt religious sentiments.

Additional Commissioner of Police Vijay Pratap Singh said the arrests were made after the video showed a group holding a gathering on the river and consuming food onboard.

Authorities have invoked multiple provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to hurting religious sentiments, promoting enmity, and public nuisance, along with provisions under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

Debate over sanctity and public conduct

The incident has reignited debate over maintaining the sanctity of religious sites and responsible public behaviour, particularly in ecologically and spiritually sensitive locations like the Ganga.

The river is not only a lifeline for millions but also revered by devotees who perform rituals and prayers along its banks daily.

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