New Delhi: In a concerted effort to combat misinformation surrounding the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh Police have filed charges against 54 social media accounts for allegedly spreading false information. This crackdown follows Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s strict directives to counter fake news about the massive religious gathering.
Under DGP Prashant Kumar’s guidance, UP Police, aided by expert agencies, have been conducting rigorous cyber patrolling to identify and address misleading posts and rumours related to the Kumbh Mela.
On February 13, two videos were debunked. One falsely depicted a fire at the Kumbh Mela bus stand, using footage from a 2020 Cairo pipeline fire. Seven accounts were charged for sharing this. Another video misrepresented a 2024 Patna film promotion event as a Kumbh Mela incident, falsely alleging that nationalist and religious individuals threw footwear at army personnel. Fifteen accounts were booked for this misinformation.
Earlier incidents include a misleading video from Nepal shared on February 2 by seven accounts, falsely claiming to show stampede victims’ bodies being carried due to lack of transport. On the same day, another account falsely alleged organ harvesting from Kumbh attendees.
On February 7, a Facebook post misrepresented a crowd control measure as a stampede. On February 9, fourteen accounts shared a video from Dhanbad, falsely claiming UP Police were assaulting pilgrims searching for missing relatives. Finally, on February 12, seven accounts shared a 2021 Ghazipur video, falsely claiming it showed stampede victims in the Ganges.
DGP Kumar emphasised that the 24/7 cyber patrol system was implemented to ensure the safety and security of the Maha Kumbh. Legal action is being pursued against those spreading misinformation, and authorities are working to trace the individuals behind the accounts.
Kumar urged responsible online behaviour, reminding citizens to verify information before sharing and warning against the legal consequences of spreading misinformation. “We urge citizens to verify facts before sharing any content online and act responsibly. Spreading misinformation can lead to legal consequences,” he said.
Nearly 500 million people have attended this Maha Kumbh, held after 12 years, which began on January 13 and continues until February 26.
