Wed Apr 01 15:10:53 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Varanasi Court Denies Bail to 14 Accused of Eating Biryani on Ganga Boat

The Story:

A Sessions Court in Varanasi has rejected the bail applications of 14 men arrested last month for allegedly consuming chicken biryani during an Iftar gathering on a boat on the Ganga River on March 15. The men, all in their 20s, have been in judicial custody since their arrest on March 17. The defense argued for bail after a lower court previously denied their pleas on March 23, but the Sessions Court upheld the rejection. The defense plans to appeal to the High Court.

The arrests followed the circulation of a video on social media purportedly showing the incident. Rajat Jaiswal, district president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), filed a complaint leading to the arrests. The accused face charges including defiling a place of worship, promoting enmity between groups, and extortion.

Key Points:

  • 14 men were arrested for allegedly eating chicken biryani during an Iftar gathering on a boat on the Ganga River.
  • The incident occurred on March 15, and the arrests were made on March 17.
  • The Sessions Court rejected their bail applications on Wednesday after a lower court had already done so on March 23.
  • Charges against the accused include defiling a place of worship, promoting enmity, and extortion under the BNS sections 298, 299, 196, and 223.
  • The extortion charge stems from boat operators’ claims that the group forcibly took control of the boat.
  • A separate case has been registered against unknown persons for allegedly sending abusive messages and death threats to Rajat Jaiswal.

Key Takeaways:

  • The case highlights the sensitivity surrounding religious practices and perceived desecration of sacred sites in India.
  • The swiftness of the police action and the severity of the charges suggest a heightened focus on maintaining religious harmony, or at least the appearance of it, in Varanasi.
  • The invocation of extortion charges adds a layer of complexity to the case, potentially indicating a broader investigation beyond the initial allegations.
  • The incident underscores the impact of social media in amplifying local events and influencing law enforcement actions.

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