Maha Kumbh: Case against 140 social media handles for ‘misleading’ content

Authorities in Prayagraj have intensified their crackdown on misinformation related to the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna announced that 13 FIRs have been registered against 140 social media handles for spreading misleading content about the grand religious gathering.

“Thirteen FIRs have been registered against 140 social media handles that shared misleading content,” Krishna told News Agency. He also emphasised that despite such attempts to spread false information, the festival has seen a massive turnout.

In a related development, police previously took action against 34 social media accounts for spreading false claims regarding a train fire. A viral video falsely alleged that 300 people died in a blaze on a train heading to the Maha Kumbh on February 14.

However, police investigations revealed that the footage was from a 2022 incident in Bangladesh, where the Parbat Express caught fire on the Dhaka-Sylhet railway line.

DIG Krishna also assured that all necessary arrangements have been made for the upcoming Maha Shivratri festival on February 26, 2025.

“Complete arrangements have been made for the upcoming Shivratri festival. Efforts will be made to ensure that there is no traffic jam anywhere in the Mahakumbh area. All arrangements should run smoothly…No matter how big the crowd is, we are fully prepared,” he said.

Meanwhile, authorities have implemented extensive crowd control measures at Ayodhya Dham Railway Station to manage the increasing number of devotees.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Yashwant Singh detailed the precautions, saying, “We have increased alertness ahead of the Mahakumbh ‘snan’ on Maha Shivratri. Additional security has been deployed here, after which the total number of personnel deployed is more than 350. Barricading has been done all around. A holding area has been set up and passengers are being brought here.”

“We are making regular announcements for trains so that they stay aware. They are being given entry only after their train arrives at the platform. We are ensuring that the platform’s passengers do not exceed its capacity. All arrangements are in place,” he added.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also acknowledged the massive scale of the event, stating that over 60 crore devotees have visited the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj so far.