Varanasi Boat Party Viral Video: 5 Arrested After Cooking Chicken and Drinking Beer on Boat in Ganga River in UP
Five people were arrested after a viral video allegedly showed them cooking chicken and drinking beer on a boat in the Ganga river in Varanasi. Police seized the boat and identified the accused following an investigation. The video sparked public outrage over alleged disrespect toward the river, while authorities also noted ongoing municipal decisions related to Sawan preparations.
Police have arrested five people after a video allegedly showing them cooking chicken and consuming beer on a boat in the middle of the Ganga river went viral on social media. Authorities confirmed that the individuals were identified following an investigation and were subsequently sent to jail, while the boat used in the incident has been seized.
According to officials, the arrests followed a probe initiated after the video sparked widespread outrage online and among local residents. The footage has triggered debate over conduct in the river, which holds religious significance for many communities in Varanasi. Varanasi Boat Party Viral Videos: Men Seen Drinking, Dancing to DJ Songs on Boats on River Ganga; Probe Launched.
5 Arrested After Cooking Chicken and Drinking Beer on Boat in Ganga River
Varanasi: Video showing chicken being cooked and an alcohol party taking place on a boat in the middle of the Ganges at Varanasi's Dashashwamedh Ghat on BJP councilor's owned boat. https://t.co/G1YkdIT8IN pic.twitter.com/wTibT29Wj5
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) June 23, 2026
Dasasvamedh Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Atul Anjan Tripathi said that the individuals were identified after an investigation into the viral video. Authorities identified the arrested individuals as Deepak Kumar, Ajay Sahni, Arun Kumar Sahni, Anurag Nishad, and Rahul Sahni, all aged between 25 and 32.
Officials confirmed that all five have been sent to jail, and the boat used in the incident has been confiscated as part of enforcement action. 'Looks Like Bihar Ganga Scene': Indian Man Washes His Feet in London's Thames River, Netizens React As Video Goes Viral.
The video, which surfaced a few days ago, led to strong reactions on social media and among local residents. Many users online claimed the act hurt religious sentiments, given the cultural and religious importance associated with the Ganga river and the city of Varanasi.
Several residents also objected to the behaviour shown in the footage, describing it as unacceptable in a sacred river environment.
The incident comes shortly after a decision by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) to relocate meat, fish, and poultry shops outside city limits ahead of the holy month of Sawan.
VMC Public Relations Officer Sandeep Srivastava said on Wednesday:
“There are around 350 to 400 meat, fish, and poultry shops operating within the city, all of which will be shifted to designated locations on the outskirts before Sawan begins.”
He added that five sites have been identified for relocation: Ramnagar, Sujabad, Ganeshpur, Awaleshpur, and Shivpur. Srivastava also noted that traders often face financial losses during Sawan due to temporary closures within city limits. “Relocating them outside municipal limits will allow these businesses to continue operations and minimize disruptions to their livelihoods.”
=The relocation decision has drawn mixed reactions from residents, traders, and political leaders, with both support and criticism emerging over its impact on livelihoods and religious sensitivities. Meanwhile, authorities continue to monitor compliance and maintain order in preparation for the upcoming Sawan period in the city.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 24, 2026 11:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
