Watch: Japanese tourists 'harassed' by locals at Varanasi ghat
Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai condemned the harassment of Japanese tourists in Varanasi, calling it shameful and a reflection of deteriorating law and order. He highlighted the incident in the Prime Minister's constituency as a sign of growing lawlessness and mob culture, urging a high-level investigation and strict action to protect tourists and India's reputation.
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LUCKNOW/VARANASI: A video showing a group of Japanese tourists allegedly being harassed at the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi has gone viral.The incident occurred on 25th December.
Japanese Tourist Harassed in Varanasi on Christmas, Netizens Slam ‘Mob Culture’
Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai terming it "extremely shameful and condemnable" and highlighting it as a grim reflection of law and order in the state.Rai said the land of Atithi Devo Bhavah cannot tolerate hatred. "This incident occurred in a city that is the parliamentary constituency of the Prime Minister and is globally known as a centre of spirituality, culture, and tolerance. When anti-social elements operate with impunity under political patronage, it is impossible to predict what they might do next," he said.
He pointed out that foreigners are now being targeted, following earlier incidents involving Muslim and Christian communities, and called the harassment over something as trivial as wearing Santa Claus caps "an indication that lawlessness and mob culture prevail in the state". Highlighting Varanasi and Sarnath as major international Buddhist tourist circuits, Rai said such events damage not only Uttar Pradesh's image but also India's reputation abroad. He demanded an immediate high-level investigation, urging the govt to examine CCTV footage to identify culprits and take strict legal action. "The govt must ensure that no tourist, domestic or foreign, faces such humiliation in the future. Continued silence would imply that lawless elements are being protected," he warned.