Varanasi, one of Hinduism’s most sacred cities, has become the centre of a controversy over the ongoing redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat, a historic cremation site. On Saturday, Uttar Pradesh police confirmed that eight FIRs have been registered against individuals and social media accounts accused of sharing alleged AI-generated visuals and misleading claims related to the ghat’s renovation.
Officials said the cases were registered following complaints that the images being circulated misrepresented the redevelopment work and were intended to inflame religious sentiments. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Gaurav Bansal, explained that the FIRs were lodged under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and targeted both the original users posting the content on X and others who reposted or commented on it.
Allegations of Intent to Harm Sentiments
According to police officials, some of the visuals shared online incorporated imagery associated with Hindu deities and were deliberately framed to mislead the public about the nature of construction work at the ghat. “Attempts were made not only to hurt religious sentiments but also to create an anti-government mindset in society,” DCP Bansal stated. He added that the spread of such content went beyond misinformation, stirring public anger and threatening social harmony.
Police officials stressed that the redevelopment work at Manikarnika Ghat, which began in November 2025, aims to strengthen cremation facilities and beautify the site, and the circulated images distorted these efforts. The complaint that triggered the FIRs was filed by Mano, a contractor from Tamil Nadu involved in the project. According to him, misleading AI-generated visuals were posted on the night of January 16, misrepresenting the renovation work and leading to widespread objectionable commentary and social unrest.
Political Reactions and Opposition Response
The controversy quickly drew reactions from opposition parties, who shared the alleged visuals on social media. The Congress party’s official X handle posted a clip featuring the images, with the caption: “Destroying Manikarnika Ghat is not just destroying a ghat. It is erasing India’s identity, culture, and heritage.” The video drew comparisons with the redevelopment of Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, alleging that similar “commercialisation” had overshadowed historical significance in past projects.
Supriya Sule, NCP (SP) Member of Parliament, also posted alleged images of the construction work at the ghats and requested intervention from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. She wrote, “Reports of alterations affecting this heritage are deeply concerning. Kindly intervene and issue clarification to ensure that development fully respects history, culture, and due process.”
These posts have fueled debate over the intent and impact of social media content on religious sentiments, heritage preservation, and public perception of government projects.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Responds
Addressing the media, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dismissed the opposition’s claims as “false propaganda” and accused certain political parties of attempting to mislead the public. “Kashi today is witnessing unprecedented development,” Adityanath said. “Even then, some people attempted to mislead the public by displaying broken idols. Today, the truth is before everyone.”
He emphasised that the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat is part of a broader rejuvenation plan for Varanasi, following the successful completion of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. According to Adityanath, the corridor has significantly increased daily footfall for devotees, with 1 to 1.5 lakh visitors now performing darshan daily, compared to 10,000–15,000 earlier.
The Chief Minister confirmed that ongoing reconstruction and beautification work at Manikarnika Ghat is proceeding in accordance with approved plans and accused the Congress and other political actors of making “baseless allegations.” He added that strict legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to mislead the public through AI-generated visuals or other misinformation campaigns.
The Contractor’s Complaint and Police Action
The eight FIRs were filed after Mano, a Tamil Nadu-based contractor involved in the project, lodged a complaint at the Chowk police station in Varanasi. The contractor stated that his company has been working on the site since November 15, 2025, to improve cremation facilities and enhance the ghat’s aesthetic appeal.
Mano alleged that an X user circulated AI-generated and misleading images on the night of January 16, presenting a distorted view of the redevelopment work. The posts reportedly misled Hindu devotees and created resentment within the local community, attracting a large number of reposts, comments, and public discussions that escalated tensions in the city.
Following the complaint, the police confirmed that the FIRs targeted eight individuals, in addition to certain X handles implicated in spreading the alleged misinformation. The authorities also clarified that legal action is being pursued against those who further propagated the content online, highlighting the government’s zero-tolerance stance on attempts to inflame religious sentiments or distort information regarding heritage projects.
Social Media, AI, and the Risk of Misinformation
The incident has raised broader questions about the role of artificial intelligence in content creation and the potential misuse of AI-generated visuals to manipulate public opinion. Experts note that AI-generated images can be highly realistic and difficult to verify, making it easier for misinformation to spread rapidly on social media platforms.
In this case, the combination of sensitive religious imagery and the ongoing high-profile redevelopment project created a volatile environment. Officials stressed that rapid identification and legal action against the perpetrators are crucial to preventing social unrest and maintaining the sanctity of religious sites.
Heritage Preservation and Public Communication
Authorities have underscored the importance of transparent communication regarding redevelopment projects, particularly at culturally significant sites such as Manikarnika Ghat. The state government has reiterated that the ongoing work is aimed at improving cremation-related facilities, enhancing safety and accessibility for devotees, and preserving the historical and religious significance of the ghat.
The Varanasi administration has also committed to providing periodic updates on the progress of redevelopment to counter misinformation and ensure that the public receives accurate information about the nature of the work being undertaken.
Conclusion
The controversy over AI-generated images and misleading claims at Manikarnika Ghat highlights the challenges posed by digital misinformation in an era of rapid social media proliferation. While the opposition has sought to raise concerns about heritage preservation and government transparency, the state government and police have acted swiftly to investigate the source of the posts and register FIRs against those responsible.
As redevelopment projects continue at sacred sites across India, the Varanasi case underscores the need for careful management of public communication, vigilant monitoring of social media, and legal safeguards against attempts to inflame religious sentiments or spread misinformation. The government has made it clear that any deliberate attempt to distort facts or mislead the public will be met with strict action, reinforcing its commitment to both heritage preservation and social harmony.
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