Mumbai, March 18 (NationPress) — MLA Abu Azmi from the Samajwadi Party in Maharashtra raised concerns regarding the recent arrests of 14 individuals in Varanasi. They were detained for allegedly discarding non-vegetarian food into the Ganga during an Iftar event held on a boat, prompting questions about increasing intolerance in society.

In an interview with IANS, Azmi stated: "Is it wrong to hold an iftar on the Ganga? Does the Ganga belong solely to one community? It is not the property of any single group. I have personally offered prayers at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna in the past. So, what is the problem?"

He expressed worries about the diminishing patience within society, saying, "Patience is fading in our country. There seems to be a persistent effort to undermine a specific community, leaving them without support."

Questioning the rationale behind the arrests, Azmi remarked, “What's going on? People gather in parks, gardens, and by rivers. What’s the offense? Various activities happen in rivers—wastewater is discarded, and even bodies are cremated and then placed in the water. If someone is enjoying an Iftar on a boat, should they be prosecuted for that?"

He emphasized his view again, asking: "Do you believe the Ganga is entirely pure? Is it inappropriate to hold an iftar on the Ganga? Does it belong to just one community? Are we attempting to fragment society?"

A video showing individuals purportedly enjoying an Iftar party on a boat in the Ganga went viral on social media, leading to a police complaint and the subsequent arrest of 14 people.

The video included claims of consuming non-vegetarian food on the river and discarding leftovers into the sacred waters, actions perceived as offensive in the holy city. The footage, widely circulated on platforms like Instagram, depicted individuals on a small boat at sunset, eating items such as chicken biryani. Critics argue this act disrespects the religious significance of the Ganga, revered by millions who perform rituals and partake in ceremonial baths along its ghats.

Following a complaint from a youth wing leader of the BJP, Kotwali police filed charges against those involved and the boat operator. Several legal provisions were invoked, including those related to offending religious sentiments, environmental pollution, and public nuisance.

As a result of this incident, 14 individuals have been detained while investigations are ongoing. Police sources indicate they are verifying the video's authenticity and identifying all participants.

ACP Kotwali, Vijay Pratap Singh, informed IANS, "We received reports about a video going viral on Instagram, showing individuals holding an Iftar on a boat, eating and discarding bones into the river. They had a container in the middle with chicken biryani. Consequently, 14 people were arrested."