GangaRiver – Varanasi Beer Video Triggers Police Action and Public Anger
GangaRiver – Authorities in Varanasi have launched legal action after a video showing a man allegedly consuming beer while bathing in the Ganga River sparked widespread criticism online.
A video circulating widely on social media has stirred controversy in Varanasi after a man was allegedly seen drinking beer while standing in the waters of the Ganga near Dashashwamedh Ghat. The incident, which reportedly took place during the early hours of the morning, prompted immediate police intervention and triggered strong reactions from local residents and devotees visiting the sacred river.
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FIR Registered After Viral Video Emerges
Police officials confirmed that a formal complaint was filed at Dashashwamedh police station after the video gained attention online. According to authorities, the individual featured in the clip has been identified as a resident of Rohtas district in Bihar. Law enforcement teams are currently working to locate and arrest the accused.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Atul Anjan Tripathi stated that officers examined the viral footage soon after it surfaced. Following preliminary verification, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered. Officials are also investigating the exact location and authenticity of the recording as part of the inquiry.
Eyewitnesses Describe Morning Incident at Ghat
People present near the ghat claimed that the incident occurred around 5 am when the accused reportedly arrived with several companions to take a bath in the river. Witnesses alleged that the man entered the Ganga carrying a beer can and began consuming the drink while standing in the water.
The act reportedly angered several devotees and visitors nearby, who objected to the behavior and accused the individual of disrespecting the religious importance of the river. Some bystanders recorded the incident on mobile phones, and the footage later spread rapidly across social media platforms.
The viral clip led to strong public reactions, with many users demanding strict legal action. Several people described the act as offensive to religious beliefs and called for tighter monitoring at crowded ghats in Varanasi.
Police Appeal to Devotees and Tourists
Officials said a police team has been sent to Bihar in connection with the case. Authorities also emphasized that regular patrols are being conducted along the riverfront to maintain public order and ensure that visitors follow local regulations and cultural sensitivities.
ACP Tripathi urged both tourists and devotees to avoid activities that may disturb peace or hurt religious sentiments. He added that maintaining the dignity of sacred places remains a priority for the administration, especially in cities with significant spiritual importance like Varanasi.
Similar Controversy Reported Earlier This Year
The latest controversy comes only two months after another incident involving the Ganga River drew legal attention in Varanasi. Earlier this year, 14 youths were arrested for allegedly organizing an iftar gathering on a boat in the river and disposing of non-vegetarian food waste into the water.
The group was later granted bail by the Allahabad High Court, but the matter had also generated debate over activities considered inappropriate in religiously significant areas. The recent beer-related incident has once again renewed discussions around preserving the sanctity of the Ganga and ensuring respectful conduct at public religious sites.
Local authorities continue to monitor the situation while social media users remain divided between demands for stricter enforcement and appeals for balanced legal action based on verified facts.