Varanasi (UP), April 1 A Sessions Court on Wednesday rejected the bail pleas of 14 people arrested on March 17 after they allegedly hosted an Iftar party and ate chicken biryani on a boat in the Ganga river, stating that it was not a routine incident but one related to public order and social harmony, according to the complainant's counsel.
District and Sessions Judge Alok Kumar dismissed the bail applications of the accused, who have been charged with defiling a place of worship, hurting religious sentiments, and other offenses, after hearing arguments from both sides, according to counsel Shashank Shekhar Tripathi.
The court observed that the matter was not a routine incident but one related to public order and social harmony. Taking note of the religious significance of the Ganga, the court termed the alleged act serious and said prima facie evidence was found against the accused, Tripathi said.
A lower court had earlier rejected the bail pleas of the accused.
Videos of the 14 men breaking their Ramadan fast on a boat in the river last month went viral on social media, sparking controversy.
An FIR was registered based on a complaint by a local Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) functionary, alleging that the act hurt religious sentiments and involved the consumption of non-vegetarian food on the river, with leftovers allegedly thrown into the water.
The accused were initially charged under various provisions of the BNS, including those related to promoting enmity, public nuisance, and acts that outrage religious feelings, along with provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
The police later added more serious charges, including those related to extortion, after boat operators alleged that the vessel was taken forcibly. Charges under the Information Technology Act were also invoked in connection with the circulation of the video.