Varanasi: 8 FIRs filed over AI images, misleading posts on Manikarnika Ghat
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Varanasi: Eight FIRs have been registered in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi after alleged AI-generated images, videos, and misleading claims about the redevelopment work at Manikarnika Ghat went viral on social media, police officials said.
The cases, filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), target eight individuals, including AAP MP Sanjay Singh and Congress leaders Pappu Yadav and Jaswinder Kaur, along with certain X handles accused of spreading fabricated content related to the ongoing beautification and strengthening of cremation-related facilities at the historic ghat.
Manikarnika Ghat is among the oldest and most sacred cremation grounds in Hinduism. It is believed that being cremated here helps one attain ‘moksha’ — liberation from the cycle of birth and death — giving the site immense religious and cultural significance.
Police said the FIRs were lodged after fabricated visuals and misleading posts began circulating online, allegedly depicting Hindu deities in a distorted manner, misleading devotees, and provoking public anger. Several posts presented distorted facts about the redevelopment project, which authorities said was creating confusion, resentment, and social tension.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Atul Anjan Tripathi said, “Probes have revealed that a fabricated video and AI-generated images related to Manikarnika Ghat were circulated on social media, leading to confusion and resentment among the public.” He added that these posts appeared intended to hurt religious sentiments, spread misinformation, and disturb social harmony.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaurav Bansal said investigations indicated “organised attempts” to spread rumours, not only through original content but also via reposts and objectionable comments. Legal proceedings are being initiated against both the original X handle users and those amplifying the content.
The FIRs follow a complaint lodged by Mano, a resident of Tamil Nadu, whose company has been carrying out work at Manikarnika Ghat since November 15, 2025, to improve cremation facilities and beautify the site. According to the complaint, an X user shared AI-generated and misleading images on January 16, presenting distorted facts and misleading devotees.
Reacting to the FIR against him, AAP MP Sanjay Singh claimed the redevelopment work had caused destruction at Manikarnika Ghat. “Temples were damaged, and a statue of Ahilyabai Holkar was broken, drawing protests from sadhus and others,” he alleged, asserting that authorities were targeting him for raising these concerns and that he would not be intimidated.
There have been protests against a demolition drive under the redevelopment plan, with allegations that a century-old idol of Ahilyabai Holkar was damaged — a charge refuted by the district administration. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have accused the Yogi-Modi government of “completely destroying” Varanasi’s heritage and demanded that work at Manikarnika Ghat be halted until consultations with religious leaders are held.
Authorities have warned that strict action will continue against those spreading rumours or misleading content online to prevent further communal tension.
