Alcohol consumption, DJ blast in boats on Ganga in Varanasi; no action
text_fields
Representational.
Varanasi: A storm of controversy has erupted after viral videos showed men allegedly drinking alcohol, dancing and blasting loud DJ music aboard boats moving through the Ganga River in Varanasi, raising questions over law enforcement and selective action, Siasat reported.
The footage, widely circulated on social media, captures a shirtless man openly consuming beer while music blares in the background, alongside visuals of multiple boats moving in formation through the ghats in what appears to be a celebratory procession. The scenes, unfolding on one of India’s holiest rivers, have triggered outrage and disbelief.
In Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, a group of men was allegedly spotted consuming alcohol and dancing to loud music aboard a boat on the Ganga River.
— The Siasat Daily (@TheSiasatDaily) April 6, 2026
Videos of the scene have gone viral on social media, showing a shirtless man drinking beer as loud music plays in the background.… pic.twitter.com/Vbp9BPigHT
Police officials have stated that the gathering was part of a traditional procession organised by the Manjhi community following Chaitra Navratri, moving from Shitala Ghat past local shrines and onward toward Mirzapur. Authorities confirmed that the video was likely shot at night and said efforts are underway to identify those involved, though no immediate action has been reported.
When ACP Varanasi was asked whether the incident had not hurt religious sentiments, he chose to ignore the question and repeated the official police statement mentioned above.
The incident has drawn sharp comparisons with a recent case in which 14 Muslim youth were arrested and denied bail for consuming non-vegetarian food while breaking their fast on the same river. That action followed a complaint by a BJP youth leader who claimed the act hurt religious sentiments, leading to swift police intervention.
The contrast has fuelled allegations of bias. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the inaction, questioning whether alcohol consumption on the Ganga does not violate public order or environmental laws, and whether law enforcement differs based on community identity.
His X post read, “This consumption of alcohol is allowed? It doesn’t hurts – feelings? and it doesn’t disrupt social harmony? It doesn’t causes public nuisance? it doesn’t violates Water Act? and ruling party will not give a complaint also? 14 Muslim boys are still incarcerated in jail …….”
As outrage grows, the episode has intensified debate over selective policing and the politicisation of religious sensitivities in Uttar Pradesh.
