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Police in Varanasi have registered eight FIRs against as many people, including AAP MP Sanjay Singh and Congress leader Pappu Yadav, for allegedly circulating AI-generated images, videos and misleading content on social media about redevelopment work at Manikarnika Ghat.

 

The ghat, one of Hinduism’s oldest cremation grounds, holds immense religious and cultural significance. It is believed that cremation here helps one attain moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

 

Reacting to the FIR, Sanjay Singh claimed the redevelopment had caused destruction at the ghat. “Temples were damaged, and a statue of Ahilyabai Holkar was broken,” he alleged, adding that he would not be intimidated.

 

Protests have erupted over the demolition drive under the redevelopment plan, with allegations of damage to a century-old idol of Ahilyabai Holkar, a charge denied by the district administration.

 

Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaurav Bansal said the FIRs were lodged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against eight individuals and certain social media accounts for spreading fabricated content related to the beautification and strengthening of cremation facilities.

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Police said AI-generated images and videos, allegedly linked to Hindu deities, were circulated on X to hurt religious sentiments, spread misinformation, provoke public anger, and disturb social harmony.

 

Assistant Commissioner of Police Atul Anjan Tripathi said investigations revealed a fabricated video about the ghat had gone viral, and AI-generated images led to public confusion and resentment. The eight booked also include Jaswinder Kaur.

 

The complaint, lodged by Mano, a contractor overseeing the redevelopment since November 15, cited an X post on January 16 presenting distorted facts and misleading Hindu devotees.

 

DCP Bansal said false information was circulated to inflame anti-government sentiment. “Legal action is being taken against the social media handles concerned as well as those amplifying the content,” he added.

 

Opposition parties, including Congress, accused the “Yogi-Modi government” of destroying Varanasi’s heritage and demanded that work at Manikarnika Ghat be halted and conducted only after consultation with religious leaders.