Manikarnika news

Varanasi police registered eight FIRs on January 17 and 18, 2026, against individuals and several social media handles for allegedly circulating AI-generated images and misleading information regarding the redevelopment of the historic Manikarnika Ghat.
Key Details of the Cases
Accused Parties: The FIRs name eight individuals, including high-profile political figures such as AAP MP Sanjay Singh, independent MP Pappu Yadav, and Congress leader Jaswinder Kaur.
Charges: The cases were filed at the Chowk police station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for spreading misinformation intended to hurt religious sentiments, provoke public anger, and disturb social harmony.
Nature of the Images: Authorities allege the content featured fabricated visuals, some distorting Hindu deities, that did not match the actual progress of the beautification and strengthening work started in November 2025.
Complaint Source: The FIRs followed a formal complaint by a contractor named Mano, whose firm is executing the redevelopment project.
Scope of Legal Action: Police have warned that legal proceedings will extend not just to the original posters but also to those who reshared or commented on the misleading content to amplify it.
Context of the Controversy
The redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat has been a sensitive issue, with local residents and sadhus previously protesting over fears of damage to the site’s heritage and spiritual character. While opposition leaders claim the project is causing destruction to temples and statues, the district administration has officially refuted these charges, calling the circulated visuals "false propaganda".
AI can make mistakes, so double-check