Six More Arrested in Shravasti for Alleged Iftar Meal Incident

New Arrests in Iftar Meal Controversy

On Tuesday, authorities apprehended six additional suspects near the Sonpathari Ashram temple in the Sirsiya area of Shravasti district, linked to allegations of preparing non-vegetarian food for a Ramadan Iftar party and discarding waste improperly. Police confirmed the arrests.

Earlier, four individuals had been taken into custody on Friday in connection with the same incident. According to a police spokesperson, on March 17, some individuals allegedly cooked non-vegetarian meals near the Sonpathari Ashram, located in a forest area, and disposed of the leftovers into a stream flowing adjacent to the ashram.

This water source is utilized by devotees visiting the Sonpathari Ashram for drinking, cooking, and performing rituals involving the deities. The spokesperson noted that a complaint was filed by the ashram's priest, Hari Sharanand Ji Maharaj, on March 19, leading to the registration of a case under relevant sections for hurting religious sentiments.

Additionally, on the same day, a forest department official informed the police in writing that the accused had illegally set fire in the forest, posing a risk of fire and harming wildlife. Consequently, another case was registered against them under the Indian Forest Act of 1927.

The police reported that four suspects were arrested on March 20, and on Tuesday, six more individuals were taken into custody. The arrested individuals have been identified as Jamal Ahmed, Irfan Ahmed, Sufiyan, Shakir, Sheru Ahmed, and Shamshad Ali, all of whom were apprehended at their residences. Legal proceedings are currently underway.