In a decisive move to combat the spread of misinformation surrounding the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, the Uttar Pradesh Police have registered 13 First Information Reports (FIRs) against 140 social media handles disseminating misleading content. This action underscores the state’s commitment to preserving the event’s sanctity and ensuring public safety amid a surge of deceptive online narratives.
The Surge of Misinformation
The Maha Kumbh Mela, a significant religious congregation attracting millions of devotees, has unfortunately become a focal point for the dissemination of false information. Various social media platforms have witnessed the circulation of videos and posts that misrepresent incidents, leading to potential public unrest and tarnishing the event’s image.
One particularly egregious example involved a video originating from Pakistan’s Karak district, depicting a tragic road accident caused by brake failure. This footage was falsely portrayed as a stampede at the Maha Kumbh, accompanied by misleading captions suggesting casualties among devotees. Upon verification, authorities confirmed the video’s true origin and context, debunking the fabricated association with the Kumbh Mela.
Legal Actions and Cyber Vigilance
Responding to these challenges, the Uttar Pradesh Police, under directives from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, have intensified their cyber patrolling efforts. A dedicated team continuously monitors social media platforms to identify and counteract the spread of misleading content. This proactive approach has led to the identification of 140 social media handles involved in propagating false information, resulting in the registration of 13 FIRs against them.
Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar emphasized the importance of maintaining the event’s integrity and public trust. He stated, “We have established a 24×7 monitoring system for all social media platforms. We urge the public to verify information through official Kumbh Mela police social media accounts and UP police fact-check portals before sharing any content.”
Notable Incidents of Misinformation
Several instances of misinformation have been identified and addressed by the authorities:
- Fire Drill Misrepresented: On January 13, 2025, a social media account falsely claimed that a routine fire safety drill conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Fire Service was an actual fire incident at the Kumbh Mela. This misleading portrayal had the potential to incite unnecessary panic among attendees and the general public.
Nepalese Funeral Procession Misused: On February 2, seven accounts disseminated a video from Nepal, misleadingly suggesting it depicted grieving families carrying bodies of stampede victims at the Maha Kumbh. In reality, the footage was unrelated to the event, and its misrepresentation aimed to evoke unwarranted fear and concern.
Dhanbad Incident Misrepresented: On February 9, fourteen Twitter accounts shared a video from Dhanbad, Jharkhand, falsely alleging that Uttar Pradesh Police were assaulting devotees searching for missing relatives at the Maha Kumbh. This deliberate distortion sought to undermine the credibility of law enforcement agencies and disrupt communal harmony.
Public Advisory and Ongoing Efforts
The Uttar Pradesh Police have issued advisories urging the public to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it online. They recommend consulting official sources, such as the Kumbh Mela Police’s social media accounts and the UP Police fact-check portals, to ascertain the authenticity of content related to the event. Spreading unverified information not only contributes to public anxiety but also carries legal repercussions.
As the Maha Kumbh Mela continues, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to monitor and counteract misinformation. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public is crucial in preserving the event’s sanctity and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
In an era where information spreads rapidly, the responsibility lies with each individual to discern fact from fiction, especially concerning events of significant cultural and religious importance.