Days after backlash, J&K police arrested two non-local tourists whose video had surfaced on social media recently showing them having alcohol during a shikara ride in Srinagar’s Dal lake.
J&K Police on Tuesday said it took cognizance of the incident and registered a case at Police station Ram Munshibagh under section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, that are intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the Indian Penal Code.
Police said two accused persons have been arrested in the case and more suspects are being questioned.
“Srinagar Police has taken cognizance after a video of unidentified individuals indulging in offensive behaviour in a shikara in Dal Lake in an inebriated state went viral across social media platforms. Two accused persons have been arrested while more suspects are being questioned. Further investigation into the matter is going on,” Srinagar police posted on X.
After the video showing tourists having alcohol during a shikara ride on Dal Lake surfaced on social media, it created a furore in the Valley with political parties terming it “the vulgar acts of tourists.”
The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), an amalgam of religious scholars, had also urged the UT administration to strictly implement a law banning drinking in public places.
