Uttar Pradesh Police have registered 13 FIRs against 140 social media handles for disseminating misleading content about the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, aiming to uphold the event’s integrity. This action follows directives from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna confirmed the legal actions and assured that robust security and logistical arrangements are in place for the upcoming Maha Shivratri festival on February 26, 2025, anticipating a large influx of devotees. Authorities have also implemented extensive crowd control measures to ensure safety and smooth operations.
Cracking Down on Misinformation
DIG Vaibhav Krishna has confirmed that 13 FIRs have been registered against 140 social media handles for spreading misleading content. “Today, more than 1 crore people have taken a holy dip,” stated DIG Krishna, highlighting the significant turnout at the Maha Kumbh. The police have implemented extensive security and logistical arrangements for the upcoming Maha Shivratri festival to ensure smooth crowd management. They are taking measures to prevent traffic jams and ensure the seamless operation of all arrangements, even with a large number of devotees expected.
Specific instances of misinformation include a video from Bangladesh’s Parbat Express train fire in 2022 being falsely circulated on February 22, claiming that “300 people died in a train fire on 14 February 2025 while travelling to Mahakumbh.” Legal action has been taken to curb the spread of such misinformation.
Ensuring Safety and Order
Authorities have implemented strict crowd control measures at Ayodhya Dham Railway Station to manage the anticipated surge of devotees during Maha Shivratri. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Yashwant Singh emphasized that additional security has been deployed, increasing the total number of personnel to over 350. Barricading has been set up, and a holding area has been established to manage passenger flow.
“We have increased alertness ahead of the Mahakumbh ‘snan’ on Maha Shivratri. Additional security has been deployed here…Barricading has been done all around. A holding area has been set up and passengers are being brought here,” DSP Singh said. Regular announcements are being made for trains to keep passengers informed, and entry is granted only upon the train’s arrival at the platform to ensure platform capacity is not exceeded.
Nearly 8.773 million people had taken a holy dip as of Sunday, according to the Uttar Pradesh government’s Information Department. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reported that 620 million devotees have visited the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj so far, marking a significant milestone.
Recent Developments and Challenges
New security protocols have been introduced to enhance crowd management, including enhanced surveillance and real-time monitoring systems to quickly respond to any emerging issues. Additionally, awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate the public about the dangers of spreading misinformation and the importance of verifying information through official channels.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian commends the Uttar Pradesh Police for their proactive measures in combating misinformation and ensuring the safety and smooth functioning of the Maha Kumbh Mela. The measures taken to manage crowds and prevent the spread of false information are crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring a peaceful experience for devotees.
As we approach Maha Shivratri, it’s imperative that authorities continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all attendees while promoting accurate and responsible information sharing. How can community members actively support these efforts to ensure a safe and spiritually enriching Maha Kumbh for everyone?
