A viral video showing a young man allegedly consuming beer while bathing in the River Ganges in Varanasi has triggered widespread outrage on social media, particularly among devotees and local residents, following which police launched an investigation and registered a case in connection with the incident.
According to police officials, the video circulating online shows the man shirtless and apparently drinking beer from a can while taking a dip in the Ganges River. The clip quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing criticism from people who alleged that the act hurt religious sentiments and disrespected the sanctity of the river, which is considered sacred by millions of Hindus.
Authorities stated that the accused individual has been identified as a resident of Rohtas district in Bihar. Police said efforts are currently underway to trace and arrest him.
Speaking about the matter, Atul Anjan Tripathi confirmed that the police had taken cognisance of the viral video and initiated legal action after receiving a formal complaint.
According to the ACP, an FIR has been registered under relevant legal provisions, and investigators are currently verifying both the authenticity of the video and the exact location where the incident took place. He added that a police team would likely be sent to Bihar to apprehend the accused.
Tripathi further stated that police regularly conduct patrolling operations in the ghats and surrounding areas of Varanasi to prevent unlawful activities and maintain public order. He appealed to devotees, tourists, and visitors to avoid engaging in acts that could hurt religious sentiments or violate social and legal norms.
The ACP emphasised that people should refrain from behaviour that could offend the faith of others or disturb the religious atmosphere associated with the holy river and surrounding ghats.
The latest controversy comes amid a series of earlier incidents involving activities on the Ganges in Varanasi that had also triggered public criticism and debate. In previous cases, allegations had surfaced regarding people consuming biriyani during an iftar gathering on a boat in the river during Ramzan and allegedly throwing leftover bones into the water afterward.
Another earlier controversy involved reports of beer parties allegedly being organised on boats operating on the Ganges River in Varanasi, which had similarly drawn objections from several religious groups and local residents who viewed such activities as disrespectful to the sanctity of the river.
Police said the investigation into the viral video incident is ongoing, and further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.
