Varanasi: Viral video shows Japanese tourists harassed at Dashashwamedh Ghat

(Screengrab: X)

• Japanese tourists harassed at Varanasi ghat, video of incident goes viral
• Locals accused tourists of urinating in Ganga, no evidence found
• Police launched inquiry after video spread, no formal complaint filed

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A video from December 25 showing a group of Japanese tourists allegedly being harassed and abused at the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi has now gone viral.

The episode unfolded when a group of Japanese tourists arrived at the ghat to bathe in the Ganges. According to the video and local accounts, some people objected to the tourists’ presence, accusing them of urinating in the river. No evidence supporting the allegation has surfaced so far.

The video shows local people arguing loudly with the tourists, who appear calm but visibly frightened. Despite repeatedly apologising with folded hands, the tourists were allegedly humiliated in public. It has also been claimed that objections were raised to some tourists wearing Santa Claus caps at the ghat, with locals citing the sanctity of the river.

In Varanasi Japanese tourists faced harassment.They wore Santa caps and swimwear,the crowd jeered and drove them away from Dashashwamedh ghat.Someone accused them of urinating in the Ganga,the mob got angry even though there was no proof against them. pic.twitter.com/4lj1DJEySw

— VIZHPUNEET (@vizhpuneet) December 28, 2025

As tensions rose, a crowd gathered at the spot. The tourists eventually sat on the steps of the ghat and continued apologising as several people shouted at them.

Police officials said no formal complaint was filed at the time of the incident. However, after the video surfaced on Saturday and spread widely on social media, authorities took note of the matter and initiated an inquiry.

Reacting to the video, several social media users criticised the behaviour, questioning how such an incident could occur in a country that promotes the idea of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. Many said the episode damaged India’s image and added that any concerns could have been conveyed politely. Some local residents also said making allegations against tourists from a friendly country without proof was wrong.

ACP Dashashwamedh Atul Anjaan Tripathi told news agency IANS that the police have taken cognisance of the viral video and sent a local team to investigate. “The video is reported to be old, from December 25. A misunderstanding occurred between the two parties, which led to a verbal exchange. Both parties later apologised to each other. No formal complaint has been filed at the police station by either party,” he said.