Monday, February 17, 2025

Prayagraj Police Crackdown on Fake Propaganda against Kumbh Mela

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The Prayagraj Police has taken a strong legal action against fake news targeting the Kumbh Mela 2025. Recently, an FIR was lodged against a social media channel run in the name of Adv. Nazneen Akhtar. Allegedly, the X handle tried to spread malicious news of a fire and a narcotics incident at the holy gathering. However, she is known to routinely stir up false news from this social media handle. 

Combating disinformation and "fake news" | Inter-Parliamentary Union
PC Inter-Parliamentary Union

Thus, this crackdown showcases the UP administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards misinformation. While naysayers and opposition parties aim to tarnish the reputation of CM Yogi Adityanath’s administration. Therefore, the FIR and legal action show how CM Yogi is willing to repel the depth of depravity ‘mlechhas’ have towards the Kumbh Mela.

Prayagraj Police Acts on Fake Fire and Fake Claims

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DIG Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, states that the Adv. Nazneen Akhtar’s X handle shall face UP Police’s legal action. Nazneen, who identifies herself as a social activist, shared fake news repeatedly regarding the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj. The first time she stated that a hospital tent at the Kumbh Mela had caught fire. However, the claim turned out to be a fabrication, as the footage she used to make the claism was from a routine fire drill conducted at the event.

This deliberate distortion of facts was widely shared on social media aiming to create panic among Sanatani devotees and sowing distrust against CM Yogi.

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Thankfully, the Prayagraj Police wasted no time in exposing the lie. Officials clarified that it was a standard fire safety exercise and called out the malicious intent behind the false report. However, the very next day a mysterious fire was started in the Kumbh. Its cause and accused to remain unknown, still under investigation. This attempt at Fake News followed by a controversial fire in the Kumbh Mela premises seems suspicious. The tweet may be a malicious effort to debunk safety arrangements. However, it seems like a part of a broader ecosystem that thrives on defaming Sanatani cultural and religious events in Bharat.

Prayagraj Police Files FIR Against False Narrative About a Girl’s Rescue

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Next, the same social media handle of Adv. Nazneen Akhtar escalated her campaign of disinformation by posting another malicious claim. And, this time she tried to allege that an underage girl was drugged by a Sadhu. However, the reality, as clarified by DIG Kumbh – Vaibhav Krishna – was starkly different. The girl had traveled to Prayagraj from a nearby district without informing her parents to witness the Kumbh. A Sadhu found her wandering near their shivir and brought her to a police chowki for safety.

Instead of appreciating the swift action of the Sadhu and police, Akhtar twisted a half-informative video to build a fake narrative.

She alleged that the Sadhu gave the girl narcotics and was arrested by the Prayagraj Police. The baseless accusation was meant to defame Hindus, Sadhus, and Kumbh Mela. Moreover, her tone seemed to reek of intent to create disharmony. The police not only reunited the girl with her family but also registered an FIR against Akhtar for spreading false information. DIG Vaibhav Krishna tweeted, calling out the “false narrative” and assuring strict legal action.

A Systemic Crackdown on Fake News

This FIR is one of many filed against those spreading fake news about the Kumbh Mela. The Prayagraj Police and UP administration are actively monitoring social media platforms to counter misinformation.

According to police sources, over 25 cases have been registered in the last two months alone against individuals and entities attempting to defame the event through doctored videos, false claims, and provocative content.

Under CM Yogi’s leadership, the UP government is determined to ensure the Kumbh Mela remains an unblemished celebration. Neither in action nor in words shall anyone be allowed to malign the Sanatani faith and culture. This crackdown on fake news demonstrates the administration’s commitment to protecting the sanctity of the event while upholding public trust.

Why Crackdown on Malicious Propaganda Matters!

Fake news and Malicious Propaganda don’t just spread misinformation. They undermine the faith in institutions, disturbs social harmony, and discredit monumental efforts like the Kumbh Mela. While 5% of the world’s population is attending the once-in-144-year Maha Kumbh Mela, it also attracts the immense hatred of naysayers.

The actions of individuals like Nazneen Akhtar highlight the growing threat of malicious propaganda disguised as activism.

By acting decisively, the Prayagraj Police has set a precedent that deliberate attempts to distort truth and harm public sentiment will not go unpunished. It’s a reminder to all that the right to free speech cannot be misused so blatantly. 

The Kumbh Mela is not just a religious event; it is a symbol of India’s cultural heritage.

Attempts to tarnish it through fake narratives must be met with firm resistance. The UP administration’s proactive approach sets an example for other states to deal with similar challenges. For Bharat, this is an opportunity to bolster its defenses against fake news while showcasing the world-class organization of events like the Kumbh Mela.

As legal action intensifies, the message is clear: defaming India’s heritage and misleading the public will not be tolerated.

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