Uttar Pradesh Cracks Down on Misinformation Regarding Maha Kumbh 2025
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – The Uttar Pradesh government has taken decisive action against 14 social media accounts on platform X (formerly Twitter) for disseminating misinformation related to the Maha Kumbh 2025, a major religious gathering held in Prayagraj. The move comes as part of a broader effort to combat the spread of false information and maintain the integrity of the event.
The incident that prompted the government’s action involved a misleading video that was widely circulated on social media. The video, which depicted a lathi-charge by police, was falsely attributed to an incident at the Maha Kumbh, with claims that Uttar Pradesh police were "brutally beating devotees searching for missing relatives." However, a thorough investigation revealed that the video originated from Dhanbad, Jharkhand, and depicted an unrelated incident from January 1, 2025. The Kumbh Mela Police promptly refuted the claims and clarified the video’s true origin through their official social media channels.
The Uttar Pradesh government, under the direction of Director General of Police Prashant Kumar, has intensified scrutiny of social media platforms to prevent the spread of such misinformation. The deliberate dissemination of the false video was viewed as an attempt to tarnish the image of the state government and its police force, and to incite public unrest. Consequently, authorities filed a First Information Report (FIR) at Kotwali Kumbh Mela against the 14 X accounts involved in spreading the misleading content. Legal proceedings are underway against the account holders.
This incident highlights the growing concern over the rapid spread of misinformation on social media platforms, particularly during large-scale events like the Maha Kumbh. Such disinformation can not only damage reputations but also create confusion and anxiety among the public. The Uttar Pradesh government’s swift action underscores its commitment to curbing the spread of false information and maintaining public order. The administration has issued a stern warning, emphasizing that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found propagating false or misleading information concerning the Maha Kumbh 2025. This proactive approach aims to deter further instances of misinformation and ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the religious gathering.
The government’s initiative to monitor social media and take swift action against misinformation is a crucial step towards safeguarding the integrity of information and maintaining public trust. The Maha Kumbh, a significant event for millions of devotees, is particularly susceptible to the spread of rumors and false information. Therefore, the government’s commitment to proactively addressing this issue is essential for ensuring the safety and security of the event. The ongoing legal proceedings against the identified accounts will serve as a deterrent to others who may consider spreading misinformation.
The authorities are continuing their efforts to monitor social media platforms and identify any further instances of misleading content related to the Maha Kumbh. This includes collaborating with social media companies to remove harmful content and take action against accounts that violate their terms of service. The Uttar Pradesh government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that the Maha Kumbh 2025 is a safe and peaceful event for all attendees. The public is encouraged to rely on official sources of information and report any instances of suspected misinformation to the authorities. This collaborative approach between the government, social media platforms, and the public is vital to counteracting the spread of disinformation and maintaining the sanctity of the Maha Kumbh.