Four Arrested in Uttar Pradesh for Disposing Non-Vegetarian Food Near Temple

In a controversial incident in Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, four men were arrested for allegedly discarding leftover non-vegetarian food into a drain near a temple. The complaint, filed by the head of the local ashram, claims that the food disposal occurred after an iftar party, leading to community tensions. This arrest follows a similar incident in Varanasi, where 14 individuals were detained for allegedly offending religious sentiments during an iftar gathering on a boat. The situation highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding communal events in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 21, 2026, 17:09 IST

Incident in Shravasti District

Authorities in Shravasti district, Uttar Pradesh, apprehended four individuals on Friday for allegedly discarding leftover non-vegetarian food into a drain close to a temple situated in an ashram, according to police reports.

The event occurred near the Sonpathri Ashram temple in the Sirsia region.

Circle Officer Satish Kumar Sharma stated that a complaint was lodged on Thursday by Hari Sharnanand, the ashram's head. The complaint indicated that an iftar gathering had taken place near the freshwater drain adjacent to the temple on Tuesday.

During this gathering, non-vegetarian dishes were reportedly served. Following the event, the organizers allegedly disposed of the leftover food into the drain, which the ashram uses for cooking, drinking, and idol washing, Sharma explained.

According to the complainant, when ashram members raised objections, the iftar event organizers allegedly responded with threats.

A first information report was filed at the Sirsia police station based on the complaint, citing provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita concerning promoting enmity and disharmony.

The four accused—Jamal Ahmad, Irfan Ahmad, Imran Ahmad, and Zaheer Khan—were taken into custody on Friday to ensure public order, as stated by Sharma.

All four individuals are residents of Mahru Murtiha village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Hardattnagar Girant police station.

This arrest follows a recent incident where 14 individuals were detained in Varanasi for allegedly offending Hindu sentiments by hosting an iftar party on a boat in the Ganga River while consuming chicken biryani.

The Varanasi arrests occurred after a video of the event, which took place on March 16, circulated widely on social media.

A complaint was filed by Rajat Jaiswal, the head of the Bharatiya Janata Party's youth wing in the city, who claimed that the event had offended Hindu religious sentiments. In his complaint, Jaiswal alleged that the participants had discarded meat leftovers into the Ganga River.