Authorities in Prayagraj have registered 13 First Information Reports against 140 social media accounts accused of disseminating misleading information about the ongoing Maha Kumbh festival. Deputy Inspector General of Police Vaibhav Krishna confirmed the legal actions, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining the event’s integrity and public safety.
The Uttar Pradesh Police’s social media monitoring unit identified several instances where outdated or unrelated content was falsely associated with the Maha Kumbh. One notable case involved a video from a 2022 train fire in Bangladesh’s Parbat Express being misrepresented as a recent incident linked to the festival. This particular misinformation falsely claimed that over 300 individuals perished in a train fire on 14 February 2025 while en route to the Maha Kumbh. DIG Krishna stated, “Thirteen FIRs have been registered against 140 social media handles that shared misleading content.”
In addition to addressing misinformation, authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure the safety and orderliness of the festival, especially with the anticipated influx of devotees for the Maha Shivratri celebrations on 26 February 2025. DIG Krishna assured, “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 Maha Kumbh area. All arrangements should run smoothly. No matter how big the crowd is, we are fully prepared.”
The Maha Kumbh, which commenced on 13 January 2025, has already witnessed a massive turnout. As of Sunday, approximately 8.773 million devotees have taken the holy dip at the sacred Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reported that a total of 620 million pilgrims have visited the festival so far, marking it as one of the largest religious gatherings globally.
To manage the surging crowds, especially at critical points like the Ayodhya Dham Railway Station, authorities have implemented extensive crowd control measures. Deputy Superintendent of Police Yashwant Singh detailed the steps taken: “We have increased alertness ahead of the ‘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.”
Regular announcements are being made to keep passengers informed about train schedules, and entry to platforms is regulated to prevent overcrowding. DSP Singh added, “We are making regular announcements for trains so that passengers 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.”
The dissemination of misleading content poses significant challenges to the management of large-scale events like the Maha Kumbh. False information can lead to unnecessary panic, disrupt logistical arrangements, and tarnish the event’s reputation. The proactive steps taken by the Uttar Pradesh Police aim to curb the spread of such misinformation and hold accountable those responsible for creating and sharing deceptive content.
In light of these developments, authorities are urging the public to rely on official sources for information related to the Maha Kumbh and to exercise caution before sharing unverified content on social media platforms. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the public are crucial in ensuring the festival’s success and the safety of all participants.
As the Maha Kumbh progresses, the focus remains on facilitating a safe and spiritually enriching experience for the millions of devotees converging in Prayagraj. The combined measures of stringent law enforcement, efficient crowd management, and public awareness are pivotal in upholding the sanctity and smooth functioning of this monumental event.
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