Man drinks beer while bathing in Ganga, viral video triggers police action

A video showing a young man consuming what appeared to be beer while bathing in the River Ganges in Varanasi has gone viral on social media, triggering outrage among several devotees and prompting police action.

According to police, the viral video shows the man drinking beer while bathing in the river. Authorities said the accused has been identified as a resident of Rohtas district in Bihar, and efforts are underway to arrest him.

Speaking on the matter, ACP Dashashwamedh Atul Anjan Tripathi said police had taken cognisance of the viral video and identified the individual seen in it.

"A complaint has been received, and an FIR has been registered under relevant sections. The location of the incident and the authenticity of the video are being thoroughly investigated. The man is a resident of Rohtas in Bihar, and a police team will be sent there for his arrest," he added.

The ACP said that police regularly conduct patrolling in the area and appealed to devotees and visitors not to engage in acts that hurt religious sentiments or violate the law.

"We appeal to people not to do anything that may offend anyone's faith or go against religious beliefs and public order," he said.

The incident comes amid previous controversies involving activities on the Ganges in Varanasi, including allegations of people eating biriyani and throwing leftover bones into the river after an iftar gathering on a boat during Ramzan, and a separate incident of beer parties being held on boats in the river.

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