Maha Kumbh: Cases Against 140 Social Media Handles for Sharing 'Misleading' Content

Maha Kumbh Nagar: Maha Kumbh 2025, the world's largest religious gathering where crores of devotees are taking a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, is inching towards its end on February 26. As the Maha Kumbh comes to a close, it has been reported that a total of 13 FIRs have been registered against 140 social media handles for objectionable videos and misleading content.

Maha Kumbh: Cases Filed Against 140 Social Media Handles for Misleading Content

Vaibhav Krishna, Maha Kumbh's Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) has stated that 13 FIRs have been registered against 140 social media accounts for spreading false information. Cases have also been filed previously against social media accounts for uploading objectionable videos of women taking a bath in the Maha Kumbh and then putting them on sale. 

The Uttar Pradesh Police has filed cases against two social media accounts for reportedly uploading objectionable videos of women bathing during the Maha Kumbh and then putting them on sale. One case was filed against an Instagram account on February 17 and another was filed against a Telegram channel on Feb 19. Legal actions have been initiated against this channel, and further investigations are ongoing.

Maha Kumbh 2025: Preparations Underway for Snan on Shivratri

The Deputy Inspector of General of Police, Vaibhav Krishna has also assured that arrangements for the snan on Feb 26, for Shivratri and efforts are being made to avoid long traffic jams and the safety and security of the devotees and pilgrims. Additional security has been deployed, barricading has been done and a holding area has also been set up. Regular announcements have been made for trains and security is also beefed up at platforms to avoid a stampede-like situation.

The Uttar Pradesh government's information department announced that nearly 8.773 million individuals had performed the holy dip as of Sunday. CM Yogi Adityanath has said so far, 620 million pilgrims have attended the Maha Kumbh and the authorities are alert, with comprehensive crowd management strategies in place, especially at the Ayodhya Dham Railway Station.