US EditionControversy Erupts Over AI-Generated Misinformation at Manikarnika Ghat
Police filed eight FIRs against individuals and X accounts for spreading AI-generated images that misled public about Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment and hurt religious sentiments.
- On January 18, 2026, Uttar Pradesh Police filed eight FIRs at Chowk police station, Varanasi targeting those who allegedly circulated AI-generated, misleading images about Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita .
- The complainant Mano, a resident of Tamil Nadu, said his company has been working on Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment since November 15, 2025, after an X handle allegedly shared misleading images on January 16, 2026.
- ACP Atul Anjan Tripathi confirmed investigations revealed AI-generated images and videos were fabricated to hurt religious sentiments and disturb social harmony on X, escalating tensions.
- Protests on Jan. 13 forced police personnel on duty at Manikarnika Ghat to stand guard, while authorities said legal action targets creators and repostors, with investigations ongoing at Chowk police station, Varanasi, Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaurav Bansal said.
- Given Manikarnika Ghat's religious significance, opposition parties and local religious leaders accused the Yogi-Modi government of undermining heritage and demanded work halt, naming AAP MP Sanjay Singh and Congress leader Pappu Yadav in FIRs.
19 Articles
19 Articles
What is happening at Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat? Inside the demolition controversy
While some priests have expressed concern over the use of heavy machinery, the administration maintains that the redevelopment aims to ease congestion and improve cremation facilities, with major temples at the ghat remaining intact.
Sanjay Singh, Pappu Yadav booked for spreading fake images of Manikarnika Ghat
In a significant move, Uttar Pradesh police have filed eight FIRs against eight individuals, including prominent political figures like AAP MP Sanjay Singh and Congress leader Pappu Yadav, for allegedly circulating misleading AI-generated images and videos related to the redevelopment work at Varanasi's iconic Manikarnika Ghat. The ghat, one of the oldest and most sacred cremation grounds in Hinduism, has been the center of controversy following…
Uttar Pradesh: Police Register Cases Against 8 Individuals for Spreading Deepfake Content Over Redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi
On the matter, ACP Dashaswamedh, Varanasi, Atul Anjan Tripathi said, 'Misleading posts regarding Manikarnika Ghat were posted on social media, following which the project manager and other concerned officials filed a complaint with the police. Based on that complaint, action was taken.' Uttar Pradesh: Police Register Cases Against 8 Individuals for Spreading Deepfake Content Over Redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi.
Moneycontrol
Varanasi: 'Fake' images of redevelopment work at Manikarnika ghat surface online, 8 FIRs filed
According to the police, fabricated images and misleading content, contrary to the actual facts related to the ongoing beautification work at Manikarnika Ghat, were shared on social media platform X.
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