TV
At least 13 FIRs have been filed against 140 social media handles on the charges of ‘misleading’ content regarding the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, currently underway in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This comes at a time when the authorities are clamping down on the spread of misinformation as preparations for the Maha Shivratri festival, scheduled for 26 February 2025, ramp up.
Vyabhav Krishna, the Deputy Inspector General of Police for Maha Kumbh, announced that 13 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been lodged against 140 social media accounts accused of disseminating misleading content.
“13 FIRs have been registered against all the 140 social media handles that shared misleading content. Today, more than one crore people have taken a holy dip. Complete arrangements have been made for the upcoming Shivratri festival. No matter how big the crowd is, we are all fully prepared,” ANI quoted Maha Kumbh Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna.
Pilgrim Influx at Maha Kumbh:
The ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has witnessed a massive turnout of devotees congregating at the Triveni Sangam for sacred ablutions. According to the information department of the Uttar Pradesh government, nearly 8.773 million individuals have participated in the ritual by Sunday.
Record Attendance:
Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, revealed that the Mahakumbh mela at Prayagraj has been frequented by a staggering 620 million pilgrims. In response to this monumental gathering, organisers at the Mahakumbh Mela have established stringent crowd management protocols, particularly at Ayodhya Dham Railway Station, to maintain safety and order.
Anticipating the Maha Shivratri Surge:
With an expected influx of even more devotees during the Maha Shivratri festival, authorities are preparing for what could be an unparalleled gathering.
“We have increased alertness ahead of the Mahakumbh ‘snan’ on Maha Shivratri. Additional security has been deployed here, after which the total number of personnel deployed is more than 350. Barricading has been done all around. We are making regular announcements for trains. We are also ensuring that the platform’s passengers do not exceed its capacity,” informed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Yashwant Singh.
Meanwhile, devotees continue to arrive in large numbers at Maha Kumbh. The final major bath will take place on Maha Shivratri, scheduled for February 26.
