Misinformation alert: Uttar Pradesh police act against 140 social media handles over fake news

Uttar Pradesh: Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have intensified their crackdown on misinformation surrounding the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. More than a dozen First Information Reports (FIRs) have been lodged against 140 social media accounts accused of spreading misleading content about the grand religious event. DIG Vaibhav Krishna confirmed the action, stating, “13 FIRs have been registered against 140 social media handles that shared misleading content.” The Uttar Pradesh Police's social media monitoring cell has been actively tracking online activities, particularly after objectionable videos of women pilgrims bathing in the sacred Triveni Sangam surfaced on various platforms.

Shivratri Preparations in Full Swing

With February 26 marking the conclusion of the Maha Kumbh on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, authorities are gearing up for an enormous influx of devotees. DIG Krishna reassured that all necessary preparations have been made to manage the anticipated crowds smoothly.

“Efforts will be made to ensure that there is no traffic congestion in the Maha Kumbh area. All arrangements should function seamlessly. No matter how large the gathering, we are fully prepared,” he asserted.

Record-Breaking Pilgrim Turnout at Maha Kumbh

The spiritual fervor of the Maha Kumbh has already witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath revealing that approximately 62 crore pilgrims have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam—the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.

On Sunday alone, the Uttar Pradesh government's information department reported that nearly 8.7 million (87 lakh) devotees participated in the holy bath, reaffirming the Maha Kumbh’s status as one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The grand event commenced on January 13, drawing devotees from across the nation and beyond. 

Tight Security and Crowd Control at Ayodhya Dham

In anticipation of the Maha Shivratri 'snan' (holy dip), authorities at Ayodhya Dham railway station have strengthened crowd management measures to ensure smooth operations and public safety.

"We have heightened security, deploying more than 350 personnel for crowd control. Barricades have been set up all around, and a designated holding area has been established to regulate passenger flow," DSP Yashwant Singh stated.

He further emphasized that regular announcements are being made to inform passengers about train schedules, preventing overcrowding on platforms. “Entry is allowed only when a passenger's train arrives, ensuring that platform capacity is not exceeded. All necessary precautions are in place,” he added.