Uttar Pradesh Police have registered eight FIRs in Varanasi after alleged AI-generated images and misleading claims related to the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat surfaced on social media platforms, officials said on Saturday.
The cases have been filed against eight individuals and several X (formerly Twitter) handles accused of circulating fabricated visuals and false narratives about the ongoing beautification work at Manikarnika Ghat, one of Hinduism&rsquo;s most sacred cremation sites.
According to police, the images shared online were found to be inconsistent with the actual redevelopment work underway at the ghat. Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaurav Bansal said the FIRs were registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police officials stated that some of the circulated visuals allegedly involved references to Hindu deities and were shared with the intention of hurting religious sentiments, spreading misinformation, provoking public outrage and disturbing social harmony. Authorities further alleged that the posts were aimed at creating an anti-government narrative.
Legal action is being initiated not only against those who originally posted the content but also against individuals who reposted or commented on the misleading material, police said.
The controversy also drew political reactions, with several opposition leaders raising concerns online. The Congress party&rsquo;s official X handle shared a video featuring the alleged images, claiming that the redevelopment amounted to the destruction of India&rsquo;s cultural and spiritual identity. The party compared the Manikarnika Ghat project with the Jallianwala Bagh beautification exercise, alleging excessive commercialisation.
NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule also shared the alleged images and described reports of changes at the ghats as deeply concerning. She urged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to intervene and ensure that development work respects history, culture and due process.
Responding to the allegations, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dismissed the claims as false propaganda. He accused the Congress and its allies of misleading the public and said Kashi was witnessing unprecedented development. He added that similar attempts to spread misinformation were made earlier during the development of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.
Adityanath said the corridor project significantly increased the daily footfall of devotees and confirmed that reconstruction work is currently underway at Manikarnika Ghat. He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone spreading misinformation on social media.
The FIRs were registered following a complaint filed at the Chowk police station by Mano, a Tamil Nadu resident whose company has been involved in strengthening cremation-related facilities and beautifying Manikarnika Ghat since November 15, 2025. The complaint alleged that AI-generated and misleading images were shared on January 16, distorting facts, misleading devotees and triggering resentment and tension within society.

Police act over alleged fake visuals on Varanasi ghat redevelopment work

AI Images Row: 8 FIRs Over Manikarnika Ghat Posts

Police act over alleged fake visuals on Varanasi ghat redevelopment work

January 18, 2026 | 11:47 IST