In Varanasi, a political uproar has erupted following the arrest of 14 Muslim youths who were breaking their fast on a boat in the Ganges River during Ramadan. The leader of the AIMIM party, Asaduddin Owaisi, has condemned these arrests as discriminatory and has raised questions regarding the rationale behind the police action. Owaisi firmly asks what religious sentiments were supposedly hurt by individuals sharing a meal on the river, questioning why similar concerns are not raised regarding the sewage that flows into the Ganges.

Owaisi elaborated that the detained individuals are currently in jail, stressing that their only crime appears to be their religious identity as Muslims. He pointed out the incongruence of the situation by drawing contrasts with alcohol shops that operate during Ramadan, asserting that such establishments also challenge the sentiments of the Muslim community. This highlights the seeming hypocrisy in the treatment of religious practices, depending on the community involved.

The arrests occurred after police acted on a viral video that showcased the group sharing iftar on the river. The incident has since ignited debates around religious freedom and discrimination in India, demonstrating how public displays of faith can lead to legal repercussions, especially for marginalized communities. Owaisi's statements have sparked discussions among political leaders and activists concerning the fairness of police interventions against cultural practices among minority populations.