Overview
- Japanese visitors wearing Santa caps and red swimwear were confronted on December 25 while preparing to bathe at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Varanasi police said pilgrims questioned the group, a tourist apologised on the steps, the dispute was settled on the spot, and no physical assault occurred.
- Officials noted that no formal complaint was filed by either side, with a review under way to understand the circumstances.
- Several outlets cited a Dainik Bhaskar report alleging one tourist urinated in the Ganga, a claim not independently verified.
- Political reaction grew, as Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai called the incident extremely shameful and demanded a high-level investigation with CCTV checks.