UP Police files 13 FIRs against social media handles for spreading fake news ahead of Maha Shivratri

Around 13 FIRs have been filed against 140 social media accounts for spreading false information about the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, said Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna.

He also assured that all preparations for the upcoming Maha Shivratri celebration on Feb 26 are in place.

The social media unit of the Uttar Pradesh Police has been keeping a careful eye on internet sites, especially since offensive footage of female pilgrims taking a dip at the Triveni Sangam was circulated.

DIG Krishna said, "13 FIRs have been filed against 140 social media handles for spreading misleading content. More than one crore people have already taken a holy dip today."

He also promised the people that measures would be taken to avoid any traffic congestion in the Mahakumbh region.

"No matter how large the crowd is, we are fully prepared for smooth operations," he said.

During Maha Kumbh, a significant number of pilgrims took a holy bath at the Triveni Sangam over the weekend.

The information department of the Uttar Pradesh government reports that by Feb 23, around 8.773 million people had taken part in the celebrations.

Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, said 620 million pilgrims are anticipated to attend the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

Authorities at Ayodhya Dham Railway Station have put in place stringent crowd control measures in advance of the large turnout to guarantee safe and efficient operations.

There will likely be a spike in devotees as Maha Shivratri approaches. Yashwant Singh, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said, "We are more vigilant in anticipation of the 'Maha Kumbh snan' on Maha Shivratri. Barricades and a holding area have been established, and more than 350 personnel have been deployed. In order to avoid crowding."

He added that passengers are only permitted on the platform when their train arrives.

As the last major bath is scheduled for Maha Shivratri, Prayagraj is getting ready to handle the thousands of pilgrims and make sure the celebrations run well.