Archive · 20 Jan 2026
FIRs Filed Over Fake Manikarnika Ghat Claims
In Varanasi, eight people were accused of sharing fake pictures and false stories about the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat, a very important place for Hindus.
The police say these people shared these fake stories to confuse people and cause trouble.
Some of the pictures were about Hindu gods and were meant to hurt people's feelings and cause problems in the community.
At the same time, some people are upset because old temples, including those linked to a famous historical figure, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, were knocked down during the redevelopment.
They say this is not right because these temples are very old and important.
The local government says they are improving the place for visitors, but they have promised to rebuild the temples and put back the idols that were damaged.
Eight FIRs were registered in Varanasi against individuals and social media accounts for spreading fabricated visuals and false information about Manikarnika Ghat's redevelopment.
The content was alleged to be AI-generated and intended to mislead the public and provoke unrest.
Critics argue that historic temples, including those linked to Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, were demolished during the redevelopment, damaging religious sentiments and cultural heritage.
The local administration claims the redevelopment aims to improve facilities for devotees and enhance the overall experience at the ghat.
The administration has assured that the demolished structures will be rebuilt and the idols reinstalled with full honor.
- Who
- Eight individuals, including political leaders and social media accounts, and critics of the redevelopment project
- What
- Spreading fabricated visuals and false information about the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat, and criticism over the demolition of historic temples
- When
- After the alleged AI-generated images and misleading claims surfaced on social media, and during the redevelopment work
- Where
- Varanasi
- Why
- To mislead the public and provoke unrest, and concerns over the destruction of cultural and religious heritage
Critics of Redevelopment
Local Administration
Demolition of Temples
Critics of Redevelopment
Critics argue that historic temples, including those linked to Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, were demolished in the name of modernization, damaging religious sentiments and cultural heritage.
Local Administration
The local administration claims the redevelopment aims to improve facilities for devotees and enhance the overall experience at the ghat.
- Number of FIRs
- Eight
- Location
- Varanasi
- Accused
- Eight individuals, including political leaders and social media accounts
- Allegations
- Spreading fabricated visuals and false information
- Intent
- To mislead the public and provoke unrest
- Legal Action
- Filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Content Nature
- AI-generated images and misleading claims about redevelopment
- Impact
- Hurt religious sentiments and disturbed social harmony
- Criticism
- Demolition of historic temples and damage to idols
- Administrative Response
- Assurance to rebuild demolished structures and reinstall idols
Sources
FIR Against Sanjay Singh, Pappu Yadav for 'Misleading' Manikarnika Ghat Content
Police disperse protesters at Manikarnika Ghat, 16 detained
MP News: 'Temples Were Demolished In Garb Of Modernisation' Digvijaya Singh On Manikarnika Ghat Row-- VIDEO
Akhilesh advises against ‘destroying heritage’ amid Manikarnika Ghat row
Fresh protests at Varanasi’s Manikarnika Ghat over ‘damage’ to Ahilyabai Holkar statue, several detained
