Varanasi: Viral Video Shows Youth Drinking Beer in River Ganga in Varanasi, FIR Registered
The Varanasi police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against a youth after a video showing him drinking beer while bathing in the Ganga river went viral on social media. The incident, which took place near Lalita Ghat, has sparked widespread public outrage and triggered demands for strict accountability.
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Police in Varanasi have registered a First Information Report (FIR) after a video showing a young man allegedly drinking beer while bathing in the River Ganga went viral on social media, triggering public outrage and calls for action. Authorities said the accused has not yet been identified and efforts are underway to trace him, as reported by TOI. According to police, the incident took place near the ghats in Varanasi during the early hours of the morning. The video, widely circulated online, showed the youth entering the river holding a beer can while people nearby objected to his actions.
The FIR was lodged by advocate Shashank Tripathi at Dashashwamedh police station on Friday. Police said the case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to promoting disharmony and deliberately outraging religious sentiments. Mumbai Road Fire Video: Car Dealer Sets Road on Fire in Goregaon To Shoot Birthday Reel As He Turns 33, Arrested After Clip Goes Viral.
Viral Video Shows Youth Drinking Beer in Ganga at Varanasi Ghat
Kalesh over a group of men bathing in the sacred Ganga river while openly drinking beer. When someone confronts them about it, one of the men responds saying ‘we won’t drink anymore pic.twitter.com/cGf8HxdFQ1
— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) May 22, 2026
In the video, bystanders can be heard confronting the youth and accusing him of disrespecting the sacred river. The man is also heard responding that he would not repeat the act. Assistant Commissioner of Police Atul Anjan Tripathi said teams have been formed to identify and apprehend the accused. ‘You Shut Up, Get Lost’: FIR Filed Against School Manager, Principal in UP’s Hardoi Over Misbehaviour With Woman Guardian (Watch Video).
Social Media Backlash
The clip sparked strong reactions online, with many users demanding strict action against those involved. The River Ganga holds deep religious significance for Hindus and incidents perceived as disrespectful toward the river often attract public attention and legal scrutiny.
The incident comes amid heightened sensitivity around activities taking place on or near the river in Varanasi. Earlier this year, another controversy emerged after videos allegedly showed people consuming alcohol and partying on boats in the Ganga, leading to criticism and police action.
Earlier Controversy Over Activities on Ganga
Police action in the latest case also follows a separate incident two months ago in which 14 youths were jailed after allegedly organising an iftar gathering on a boat in the Ganga and dumping food waste into the river. The accused were later granted bail by the Allahabad High Court.
Authorities in Varanasi have increased monitoring of activities around the ghats in recent months, particularly ahead of major religious events and festivals that draw large crowds to the city.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 23, 2026 07:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
