Uttar Pradesh Government Cracks Down on Misinformation Regarding Maha Kumbh 2025
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a robust campaign against misinformation surrounding the Maha Kumbh 2025, taking swift action against 14 social media accounts on platform X (formerly Twitter) for disseminating misleading content. This move comes as part of a broader effort to combat the spread of false information, particularly concerning large-scale events like the Maha Kumbh, which attracts millions of pilgrims from across the globe. Under the directive of Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police, Prashant Kumar, social media platforms are facing increased scrutiny, with the government vowing regular monitoring to prevent the spread of malicious or fabricated content that could potentially disrupt the peaceful conduct of the religious gathering.
The most recent incident that triggered government intervention involved the circulation of an outdated video, falsely attributed to the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The video, originally depicting a lathi-charge by Jharkhand police in Dhanbad on January 1, 2025, was deceptively presented as footage of Uttar Pradesh police "brutally beating devotees searching for missing relatives at Maha Kumbh." This deliberate misrepresentation prompted immediate action from the authorities to rectify the false narrative and hold those responsible accountable.
Upon thorough investigation, the Uttar Pradesh government confirmed the video’s origin to be Dhanbad, Jharkhand, effectively debunking the claims made in the misleading social media posts. The Kumbh Mela Police also issued a public clarification via their official social media channels, further refuting the fabricated narrative and reaffirming the video’s accurate context. This concerted effort aimed to swiftly counter the spread of misinformation and prevent any potential unrest or panic among the public, particularly those attending or planning to attend the Maha Kumbh.
The government has characterized the dissemination of the false video as a deliberate attempt to undermine the image of the state government and its police force, potentially inciting public unrest and disrupting the smooth conduct of the Maha Kumbh. This incident underscores the growing concern surrounding the potential for misinformation to be weaponized to create social discord and damage the reputation of government institutions.
In response to this act of misinformation, authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) at Kotwali Kumbh Mela against the 14 X accounts involved in spreading the false narrative. Legal proceedings are underway, signaling the government’s unwavering commitment to holding perpetrators of misinformation accountable and deterring future incidents. This decisive action serves as a clear message that the spread of false information will not be tolerated and will be met with swift and stringent legal repercussions.
The Uttar Pradesh administration has issued a stern warning, emphasizing that anyone found responsible for propagating false or misleading information concerning the Maha Kumbh 2025 will face strict legal action. This proactive stance demonstrates the government’s resolve to maintain law and order during the religious event and safeguard the public from the potentially harmful effects of misinformation. The administration is taking a multi-pronged approach, combining proactive monitoring of social media platforms with reactive legal measures to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduction of the Maha Kumbh. This includes collaborating with social media companies to identify and remove misleading content and educating the public on how to identify and report misinformation. The government aims to create a secure and informed environment for the millions of pilgrims who journey to Prayagraj for this significant religious event.