A man has been arrested in Varanasi after a video showing him drinking beer on a boat in the Ganga River went viral on social media. The incident has sparked discussion because the river holds deep religious importance for millions of people in India.
According to the police, the accused has been identified as Arjun Rajbhar, who works as a boat decorator. Officials said the video showed two men consuming alcohol while riding a boat in the river.
The case came to light after the video spread widely online. Following this, a complaint was filed at the local police station. Acting on the complaint, the police registered a case and started an investigation.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Gaurav Kumar confirmed that the video clearly showed two individuals consuming intoxicants on a boat. He said that based on the evidence, one of the accused was identified and arrested. The police are now trying to identify and take action against the second person seen in the video.
The authorities have not yet shared full details about the charges, but such actions are often taken when activities are considered inappropriate or offensive in sensitive or religious locations.
Police officials also said that further investigation is ongoing. They are examining the circumstances of the incident and whether any other laws were violated during the act.
The incident highlights how quickly social media can bring attention to such activities and lead to immediate action by authorities.
ALSO READ: Trump signals possible Iran deal while warning of strong military action
The Ganga River is considered sacred by Hindus. Millions of people visit Varanasi every year to take a dip in the river, perform rituals and offer prayers. Because of this, activities seen as disrespectful or inappropriate on or near the river often lead to strong reactions.
This is not the first such incident in recent times. Earlier, during the holy month of Ramadan, at least 14 people were arrested in Varanasi after a video showed them holding an iftar gathering on a boat in the river and eating chicken biryani. The police said that the act hurt religious sentiments and polluted the river.
A complaint in that case was filed by a local leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party youth wing. Based on the complaint, an FIR was registered under several legal provisions, including those related to hurting religious sentiments, creating public nuisance and polluting water.
Police officials stated that the law must be followed, especially in places of religious importance. They said actions that disturb public peace or hurt sentiments of any community are taken seriously.
Meanwhile, the latest arrest also drew political reactions. Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party, commented on the issue and criticised the current government. He said that such incidents are not new and claimed that people are under stress, which is affecting their behaviour.
However, the police have maintained that their action is based on the law and the complaint received, not on political views.
Overall, the incident shows the importance of respecting local traditions and religious sentiments, especially in places like Varanasi that hold deep cultural and spiritual value. Authorities continue to urge people to act responsibly in public spaces, particularly around sacred sites.
As the investigation continues, more details may come out about the case. For now, the arrest serves as a reminder that actions in sensitive locations can have serious consequences, especially when they are shared widely on social media.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash