Varanasi,

18 Jan (HS): Police in this city have filed eight FIRs against as many persons,

including AAP MP Sanjay Singh and Congress politician Pappu Yadav, for

allegedly disseminating AI-generated photos, videos, and incorrect information

on social media concerning the Manikarnika Ghat renovation project. The ghat is

one of the most ancient and holy cremation places in Hinduism. It is thought

that being cremated at the place aids in achieving'moksha' -- freedom from the

cycle of life and death -- giving the ghat great religious and cultural

significance. In response to the FIR filed against him, AAP's Sanjay Singh

alleged that the reconstruction work had destroyed Manikarnika Ghat. Temples

were vandalized, and a statue of Ahilyabai Holkar was shattered, prompting

protests from sadhus and others, he said.

AAP

MP accused authorities of targeting him for highlighting the matter, claiming

that he would not be intimidated. Protests have taken place against the

demolition campaign as part of the ghat's redevelopment plan, with many stating

that the century-old idol of Ahilyabai Holkar has been harmed, an allegation

denied by the district government. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police

Gaurav Bansal, eight complaints have been filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya

Sanhita (BNS) against eight persons and specific X handles for disseminating

false information about the ongoing beautifying and improvement of

cremation-related amenities at the ghat. Police said fraudulent and deceptive

movies and AI-generated graphics ostensibly tied to Hindu deities were

disseminated on X with the intention of hurting religious sensibilities,

spreading disinformation, inciting public outrage, and disrupting social peace.

Assistant

Commissioner of Police (ACP) Atul Anjan Tripathi stated that investigations

have found that a manufactured film on Manikarnika Ghat, created using AI and

altering facts, has gone popular on social media. AI-generated photos were also

distributed, causing confusion and animosity among the people, he stated. AAP

MP Sanjay Singh, as well as Congress members Pappu Yadav and Jaswinder Kaur,

are among the eight booked, according to the ACP. According to authorities,

there have been concerted attempts to disseminate misinformation about the

reconstruction project, citing not just social media posts, but also those that

have been republished and received unpleasant comments. Mano, a Tamil Nadu

citizen, filed a complaint in this subject after his business began work to

improve cremation facilities and beautify Manikarnika Ghat on November 15.

According

to the lawsuit, on January 16, an X user allegedly published AI-generated and

deceptive graphics that presented skewed facts and misled Hindu devotees. DCP

Bansal alleged that false information was spread not just to harm religious

sensibilities, but also to incite anti-government sentiments. Legal action is

being pursued against the social media profiles involved, as well as those

propagating the post, he stated. Opposition parties, notably the Congress, have

accused the Yogi-Modi administration of entirely destroying Varanasi's legacy

and urged that the ongoing construction at Manikarnika Ghat be halted

immediately, with future action taken only after consultation with religious

authorities there.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi