Varanasi/New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) A local court in Varanasi has remanded 14 individuals to judicial custody for a period of 14 days regarding the alleged incident involving an iftar gathering on a boat and the disposal of non-vegetarian food into the sacred Ganga River.

This ruling was issued by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Amit Kumar Yadav, who mandated that the accused remain in custody until April 1, with their bail pleas set to be heard on March 23.

The case originated from a viral video that circulated on social media earlier in the week, depicting a group of people allegedly conducting an iftar gathering on a small boat in the Ganga.

The footage purportedly showed attendees consuming non-vegetarian dishes and discarding leftovers, including bones, into the river. Following a complaint from a leader of the BJP youth wing, the Kotwali police filed an FIR encompassing various charges related to outraging religious sentiments, environmental pollution, and public nuisance. Consequently, 14 individuals, including the boat's operator, were apprehended.

Police officials are currently verifying the authenticity of the viral video and are actively working to identify all participants in the incident. Authorities have also heightened surveillance of boat activities on the river to avert similar events in the future.

This controversy has ignited a wider discussion about safeguarding the sanctity of the Ganga, particularly in Varanasi, a city where the river bears profound spiritual importance for millions of devotees who perform rituals along its ghats.

The detention of the 14 individuals has provoked strong political responses, with leaders from various parties voicing their opinions on the matter. BJP MP Dinesh Sharma remarked that the Ganga is regarded as sacred, stating, "The Ganga is revered as a mother in Sanatan Dharma. Everyone should respect this and refrain from actions that violate this principle. The law operates according to its own rules."

He emphasized that while iftar during Ramadan is sacred, it should be conducted in designated areas, as both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food can be consumed. "People view Maa Ganga as sacred; they offer her water to deities. Hence, it is imperative for all Indians to preserve her purity," Sharma asserted.

Madan Dilawar, a minister from Rajasthan, also condemned the incident, declaring that those responsible for polluting the river would face severe consequences. "Those who act disrespectfully towards the Ganga and contribute to its pollution will be dealt with sternly. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will not tolerate such actions," he stated.

BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj underscored the necessity of honoring religious customs and community standards, asserting, "Every religion has its own committees, and if a committee reaches a decision, it is our duty to respect and adhere to it—this is everyone's responsibility."

Meanwhile, Congress MP Imran Masood remarked that maintaining the Ganga's purity is a collective duty but highlighted broader environmental concerns. "Ensuring the Ganga's purity is a shared obligation. Drains are being discharged directly into the Ganga; an FIR should also be filed regarding that," he stated.

Congress MP Ujjwal Raman Singh suggested that action should be taken if any regulations were breached. "I’m not fully aware of the context. If individuals were observing Ramadan or having iftar on the boat, what is the issue? If someone has violated rules or regulations, appropriate action should be pursued," he concluded.