A video from Varanasi has sparked major controversy after a group was allegedly seen throwing leftover non-vegetarian food, including chicken biryani, into the Ganga during an iftar gathering on a boat.

The clip, which surfaced online earlier this week, shows people hosting a roza iftar on the river before dumping food waste into the water.

The footage quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from local groups and social media users over pollution concerns and alleged disrespect to religious sentiments.

Acting on the viral video, police registered a case and launched a swift crackdown. So far, 14 people have been arrested, including the individual who reportedly recorded and circulated the video.

Officials said multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have been invoked, along with provisions under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

According to police, teams tracked down the accused near Gaighat by matching visuals from the viral clip with people at the location. Investigators are now probing whether the act was intentional and how the gathering was organised on the boat.

The complaint was filed by a local BJP youth leader, who alleged the act was deliberate and hurt religious sentiments. Authorities have also cited charges related to public nuisance, promoting enmity, and fouling water sources.

Meanwhile, the incident has drawn criticism from within the community as well. A member of the Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee said that holding an iftar on a boat goes against religious norms, stressing that the observance is meant to be followed by immediate prayers and not treated as a social outing.

The controversy has once again raised questions about unchecked activities on the Ganga and the need for stricter monitoring to prevent pollution and preserve the river's sanctity.