BJP Leader Faces Death Threats Following Iftar Party Controversy in Ganga
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Varanasi, March 20 (NationPress) The situation surrounding the Iftar gathering on the Ganga River intensified on Friday, as BJP youth leader Rajat Jaiswal—who initially condemned this 'disrespectful and vulgar' event—began receiving death threats following his police report requesting appropriate measures.
The individuals behind the threats remain unidentified, but sources suggest a potential organized network, as the intimidation is coming via emails and international phone calls.
Jaiswal, who serves as the city president of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BYJM), formally reported the threats at the Sigra police station on Friday. Authorities have initiated an inquiry and assigned teams to track down the international phone numbers and email addresses associated with the threats.
In his police statement, Jaiswal expressed concerns for his safety, particularly given that he resides in a predominantly Muslim neighborhood.
His lawyer informed reporters that both Jaiswal and his legal team faced harassing calls and threats after he reported the inappropriate disposal of non-vegetarian food waste into the Ganga River during the Iftar event.
Advocate Shashank Shekhar Tripathi stated, "We are also facing threats in court. These threats were made publicly in front of the media, and the complainant is being continually harassed via phone calls. This behavior is unacceptable, and those responsible should be prosecuted under the National Security Act (NSA)."
A video showcasing the Iftar event on the Ganga River in Varanasi ignited significant backlash, with various Hindu organizations expressing outrage over the consumption of meat and the alleged disposal of waste in the sacred river.
Jaiswal filed a complaint alleging that a group of men consumed and discarded meat and biryani remnants into the river.
“The Ganga is of profound significance to followers of Sanatan Dharma. Every day, thousands of devotees visit Kashi to perform rituals and pray with Ganga water. Such actions offend the religious sentiments of Sanatan adherents,” Jaiswal expressed.
As a result, police launched a probe and apprehended 14 Muslim youths who participated in the Iftar.
The arrested individuals were brought before the court, which deemed the crime severe enough to remand the accused in custody until April 1.