A video has gone viral on social media showing foreign tourists being stopped from bathing in the Ganges in Varanasi. The incident reportedly took place on Christmas Day, when tourists dressed as Santa Claus attempted to take a holy dip in the river. Local citizens intervened, causing a brief standoff.
The video, shared on social media, quickly garnered attention, leading to police involvement. An initial investigation suggests that the dispute arose due to a misunderstanding.
A Misunderstanding Led to the Dispute
According to the police, a mix-up at the Ganga ghats between locals and foreigners led to the confusion. This misunderstanding resulted in a verbal exchange, prompting locals to prevent the tourists from entering the water.
After a short while, tension eased, and both parties apologized to each other. Consequently, neither tourists nor locals filed any complaints, and the matter was settled amicably, with everyone departing peacefully.
Police Initiate Video Investigation
ACP Atul Anjan Tripathi stated that the police have taken cognizance of the viral video and assigned a local team to investigate. The video reportedly dates back to December 25, featuring two parties involved in a misunderstanding.
The ACP emphasized that no serious misconduct was observed at first glance, although the involvement of foreign tourists necessitates a thorough investigation. The police are rigorously examining the video, and any revelations will guide subsequent actions.
