The Uttar Pradesh police have filed multiple FIRs (First Information Reports) against at least 140 social media accounts for allegedly posting objectionable videos of women bathing at Maha Kumbh 2025 and disseminating misleading content.
“13 FIRs have been registered against 140 social media handles that shared misleading content,” Maha Kumbh DIG Vaibhav Krishna told news agency ANI.
As per reports, the Uttar Pradesh Police’s social media team is actively monitoring all platforms, particularly after inappropriate videos of women pilgrims bathing at the Triveni Sangam were circulated online.
Previously, UP Director General of Police, Prashant Kumar, stated, “We will ensure strict action against those involved in preparing and selling objectionable videos of women on social media.”
In 2019, the Allahabad High Court prohibited the publication of photos and videos featuring women at the Kumbh Mela. The court ruled that images of women bathing or taking a holy dip must not be shared and warned that violations of this order would result in legal action. This restriction applies to both print and visual media.
In addition to concerns about the inappropriate portrayal of women devotees, several instances of misinformation regarding the Maha Kumbh have been reported.
For instance, authorities discovered that on 22 February, a video of a train fire in Bangladesh from 2022 was falsely circulated online. The misleading post claimed that 300 people had died in a train fire on 14 February 2025 while traveling to the Maha Kumbh. In response, officials have taken legal measures to curb the spread of such false information.
Maha Shivratri Festival: Last Day Celebration
Meanwhile, a massive gathering of devotees is anticipated on February 26, the concluding day of Maha Kumbh 2025, which coincides with the festival of Maha Shivratri.
DIG Krishna stated that all necessary arrangements have been finalized for the event. “Efforts will be made to ensure that there is no traffic jam anywhere in the Maha Kumbh area. All arrangements should run smoothly. No matter how big the crowd is, we are fully prepared,” he said.
Efficient Crowd Management at Maha Kumbh 2025
Moreover, the authorities at Ayodhya Dham railway station have implemented strict crowd management measures to ensure seamless movement and safety during the Maha Kumbh.
DSP Yashwant Singh told ANI, “We have increased alertness ahead of the ‘snan’ on Maha Shivratri. Additional security has been deployed here, after which the total number of personnel deployed is more than 350. Barricading has been done all around. A holding area has been set up and passengers are being brought here.”
“We are making regular announcements for trains so that passengers stay aware. They are being given entry only after their train arrives at the platform. We are ensuring that the platform’s passengers do not exceed its capacity. All arrangements are in place,” he added.
62 Crore Pilgrims Gather at Maha Kumbh
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that 62 crore pilgrims have already taken a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, in Prayagraj.
According to the Uttar Pradesh government's information department, nearly 8.7 million (87 lakh) devotees participated in the ritual on Sunday alone.
The Maha Kumbh commenced on January 13.
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