A controversy erupted at Biryani Bay, a popular restaurant located at Shastri Chowk in Gorakhpur, on the night of Thursday, July 31, when a group of around 12 to 13 people arrived to dine. While the group placed mixed orders—some opting for vegetarian meals, others for non-vegetarian—a dramatic scene unfolded when one youth from the group alleged that bones were found in the vegetarian platter. 

He accused the restaurant of deliberately contaminating the food to hurt religious sentiments, particularly during the holy month of Sawan, a sacred time for many Hindus who strictly avoid non-vegetarian food.
The accusation quickly gained traction, with the potential to escalate into a communal or religious flashpoint, especially in a sensitive region like Gorakhpur. The youth's claims caused panic among other diners and stirred anger in the local community. However, the restaurant owner, who was taken aback by the allegations, promptly reviewed the CCTV footage from the night of the incident. In a surprising turn of events, the footage clearly shows the same youth who raised the complaint surreptitiously placing bones into the vegetarian dish himself, apparently attempting to fabricate evidence against the establishment.

The release of the CCTV video has not only exonerated the restaurant but also exposed the malicious intent behind the accusation. The owner of Biryani Bay has demanded strict action against the youth for defamation and incitement, while local residents have called for an investigation to prevent such staged provocations in the future. This incident underscores the dangerous consequences of false communal allegations, especially when amplified during sensitive religious periods. It also highlights the importance of CCTV surveillance in protecting both business owners and the public from misinformation and calculated attempts to sow discord.

Find out more: