13 FIRs Against 140 Social Media Handles For Misleading Content On Prayagraj Kumbh As UP Police Prepares For Maha Shivratri

As the grand Maha Kumbh continues in Prayagraj, authorities have intensified security measures to ensure smooth proceedings during the upcoming Maha Shivratri festival on 26 February, ANI reported.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna confirmed that legal action has been taken against those spreading misinformation online.

"13 FIRs have been registered against 140 social media handles that shared misleading content," he stated, underlining the administration’s commitment to maintaining order.

The scale of the pilgrimage is staggering, with the Uttar Pradesh government reporting that nearly 87.7 lakh devotees had performed the sacred ritual on Sunday (23 February).

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the sheer magnitude of the event, revealing that 62 crore people have visited the Maha Kumbh Mela so far.

To accommodate the vast number of worshippers, officials have implemented rigorous crowd control measures at Ayodhya Dham Railway Station.

Speaking to ANI, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Yashwant Singh detailed the measures in place at the railway station.

"We have increased alertness ahead of the Mahakumbh '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," he explained.

The authorities have also introduced controlled platform access to avoid overcrowding.

"We are making regular announcements for trains so that they 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," DSP Singh assured.

Meanwhile, DIG Vaibhav Krishna reiterated the administration’s preparedness. "Complete arrangements have been made for the upcoming Shivratri festival... Efforts will be made to ensure that there is no traffic jam anywhere in the Mahakumbh area. All arrangements should run smoothly... No matter how big the crowd is, we are fully prepared," he asserted.