Samajwadi Party’s Maharashtra MLA Abu Azmi raised concerns over the arrest of 14 youths in Varanasi for allegedly dumping non-vegetarian food into the Ganga during an Iftar gathering on a boat. Azmi questioned the basis of the action, emphasizing that holding an iftar on the Ganga should not be considered wrong as the river is not exclusive to any one community. He expressed worry about the declining patience in society and perceived attempts to target specific communities.
Azmi highlighted the lack of tolerance in society, stating that there seems to be a continuous effort to undermine certain communities without any support for them. He further questioned the need for legal action against individuals who were having an iftar on a boat in the river, pointing out that various activities, including disposing of waste and performing rituals, take place in the Ganga. Azmi reiterated that the Ganga does not belong exclusively to one community and emphasized the need to avoid actions that divide society.
A video circulating on social media showed a group allegedly having an Iftar party on a boat in the Ganga at Varanasi, leading to a police complaint and subsequent arrest of 14 individuals. The video depicted people consuming non-vegetarian food on the river and discarding leftovers into the water, causing offense to religious sentiments in the sacred city. The Kotwali police registered a case against the individuals involved and the boat operator, citing violations related to outraging religious feelings, environmental pollution, and public nuisance.
