Fourteen Arrested in Varanasi for Controversial Iftar Party on Ganga

In a controversial incident in Varanasi, fourteen Muslims were arrested for allegedly hurting Hindu religious sentiments during an iftar party on a boat in the Ganga River. The event, which involved the consumption of chicken biryani, sparked outrage after a video circulated on social media. A local BJP leader filed a complaint, claiming the gathering was disrespectful and that meat remnants were thrown into the sacred river. The arrested individuals face multiple charges, including defiling a place of worship and public nuisance. This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding religious practices in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 17, 2026, 18:31 IST

Incident Overview

In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, fourteen individuals were detained for allegedly offending Hindu religious sentiments by hosting an iftar gathering on a boat in the Ganga River, where they consumed chicken biryani.

The arrests followed the circulation of a video on social media that depicted the event, which took place on a Monday.

A complaint was lodged by Rajat Jaiswal, the local leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party's youth wing, who claimed that the gathering was disrespectful to Hindu beliefs.

Jaiswal's complaint included accusations that the participants had discarded meat remnants into the Ganga, a river of great religious importance to Hindus.

The individuals were charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which address offenses such as defiling a place of worship and intentionally provoking religious sentiments.

Additionally, they faced charges related to public nuisance and providing false evidence, as reported by local media.

The police also referenced the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act in their actions.