Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025: Uttar Pradesh Police Crack Down on Social Media Misinformation
The 2025 Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, a colossal spiritual gathering attracting nearly 50 crore devotees to the banks of the Triveni Sangam, has become a target of rampant misinformation spread across social media platforms. Uttar Pradesh Police, under the direction of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, have launched a rigorous crackdown on these malicious activities, initiating legal action against 53 social media accounts over the past month. This initiative aims to curb the spread of fake news and ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the world’s largest spiritual gathering, which commenced on January 13 and will continue until February 26.
The Uttar Pradesh Police have implemented a comprehensive strategy to combat the spread of false information. DGP Prashant Kumar emphasized the 24/7 cyber patrolling system deployed by the department, along with expert agencies, to monitor and counter misleading posts. This proactive approach involves continuous scrutiny of social media platforms to identify and address false narratives related to the Mahakumbh. The efforts are focused not only on taking down the misleading content but also on tracing the individuals behind these accounts and holding them accountable for their actions.
Several instances of misinformation have come to light, ranging from fabricated fire incidents to distorted depictions of crowd management measures. A video of a fire incident in Egypt from 2020 was falsely portrayed as a blaze at the Mahakumbh bus stand, claiming significant vehicle damage. Another video from a film promotional event in Patna was misleadingly presented as a clash between nationalist groups and army personnel at the Kumbh. These instances underscore the deliberate attempts to create panic and incite communal tensions.
Other misleading posts included a false claim about a fire drill being a real fire incident, a manipulated video from Nepal presented as a stampede aftermath, and baseless allegations of organ harvesting from deceased attendees. A video showing routine crowd management measures was misrepresented as a stampede, further illustrating the range of tactics used to spread disinformation. A video from Dhanbad was falsely claimed to depict Uttar Pradesh Police mistreating pilgrims, and even a 2021 video from Ghazipur was resurrected and falsely linked to the ongoing Mahakumbh.
The Uttar Pradesh Police’s swift action in debunking these false narratives and initiating legal proceedings against the responsible accounts demonstrates their commitment to maintaining the integrity and sanctity of the Mahakumbh. The authorities have not only taken down the misleading content but are actively working with social media platforms to trace the individuals responsible for spreading the misinformation. This collaboration is crucial to identifying the source of these malicious campaigns and preventing future occurrences.
DGP Kumar appealed to the public to exercise caution and responsibility when sharing information online. He stressed the importance of verifying facts before disseminating any content, highlighting the legal consequences of spreading misinformation. The Mahakumbh, being a significant religious event, is particularly vulnerable to such malicious campaigns, and the public’s cooperation is essential in combating these threats. The police department remains vigilant in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of the event, both on the ground and in the digital space.