VARANASI: The Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested a man after a video showing him consuming alcohol on a boat in the holy Ganga river went viral on social media. The arrested individual has been identified as Arjun Rajbhar, a local boat decorator. Assistant Commissioner of Police Gaurav Kumar stated that the viral clip depicted two men using intoxicants during a boat ride. Following a complaint filed at the Bhelupur police station, a case was registered and one suspect was apprehended, while further investigation is underway to identify the second person.
Reacting to the arrest, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav took a swipe at the ruling BJP government. Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Yadav questioned if drinking beer was a new phenomenon. He alleged that under the BJP administration, people are facing immense difficulties and stress, which has led to an increase in alcohol consumption across the state.
This incident follows a previous crackdown during Ramadan, where at least 14 people were arrested in Varanasi for hosting an Iftar party on a boat. They were accused of hurting religious sentiments after a video showed them consuming chicken biryani in the middle of the river. The arrests were made following a written complaint by BJP Yuva Morcha city chief Rajat Jaiswal, who alleged that the act defiled the sacred river.
The police had lodged an FIR under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. The charges included promoting enmity between religious groups and fouling public water sources. Authorities emphasized that thousands of devotees visit Kashi with deep faith in the Ganga, and activities that disrespect the river’s sanctity would face strict legal consequences.
With input from India TV News.
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