VaranasiCase – Court Orders 14-Day Custody in Ganga Boat Incident
VaranasiCase – A court in Varanasi has ordered 14 individuals into judicial custody for two weeks following allegations linked to an iftar gathering held on a boat in the River Ganga. The accused are facing charges related to religious sensitivity, public nuisance, and environmental violations. The order was issued on Thursday by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Amit, who approved the remand after reviewing the initial findings presented by investigators.
Arrests Follow Complaint and Viral Video Evidence
The case dates back to March 17, when local police arrested 14 young men from the Madanpura area after a complaint was filed by a local political youth leader. Authorities alleged that the group organised a Roza Iftar gathering on a moving boat and consumed non-vegetarian food, with remains reportedly discarded into the river.
Police said the individuals were identified with the help of videos that circulated widely on social media. These clips, along with statements from witnesses and the boat operators, formed part of the preliminary evidence submitted to the court.
Charges Filed Under Multiple Legal Provisions
Following the complaint, the police registered a case under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to hurting religious sentiments, promoting enmity between communities, and creating public nuisance. Additional charges were also applied under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
During the investigation, statements from two boatmen were recorded. According to the prosecution, both individuals claimed they were forced to allow the group onto the boat and were allegedly threatened. Based on these claims, investigators later added a more serious charge under Section 308 of the BNS, which carries the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence.
Court Hearing Sees Arguments from Both Sides
At the hearing, defence lawyers argued against the need for judicial custody, stating that their clients had been falsely implicated. They maintained that the allegations outlined in the complaint did not constitute grave offences and that there was insufficient evidence to justify continued detention.
On the other hand, the prosecution, represented by officer Deepak Kumar, insisted that the remand was necessary for further investigation. He pointed to the statements of the boatmen and other evidence collected so far, arguing that the seriousness of the allegations warranted custodial supervision.
Bail Plea Filed as Court Seeks Criminal Records
Following the court’s decision to grant judicial remand from March 19 to April 1, the defence team submitted a bail application seeking the release of the accused. However, the plea was strongly opposed by the complainant’s legal representatives, who argued that the incident had the potential to disturb communal harmony and showed disregard for the sanctity of the river.
The court, taking note of the arguments presented by both sides, has directed authorities to produce the criminal history of the accused individuals. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on March 23, when the bail application is expected to be considered.
Investigation Continues Amid Legal Developments
Officials indicated that the investigation is still ongoing and additional evidence may be examined in the coming days. Authorities are also reviewing whether further charges should be formally included in the case based on the evolving findings.
The incident has drawn attention due to its religious and environmental implications, particularly given the cultural significance of the River Ganga in the region. Law enforcement agencies have reiterated that due process will be followed, and all aspects of the case will be examined before final conclusions are reached.