Temple demolition claims, AI images and 8 FIRs: Why is Varanasi’s Manikarnika Ghat in the spotlight?

Varanasi: Eight cases have been filed in Varanasi against individuals and social media accounts for allegedly spreading AI-generated images and misleading information about redevelopment work at the historic Manikarnika Ghat, officials said. The move comes amid rising concerns over social media rumours misrepresenting the ongoing beautification and cultural preservation efforts.

Police register cases over fabricated posts

The cases target eight individuals and certain X handles under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaurav Bansal said on Saturday.

“Fabricated images and misleading content, contrary to the actual facts related to the ongoing beautification work at Manikarnika Ghat, were shared on social media platform X,” he added.

Officials alleged that images linked to Hindu deities were circulated with intent to hurt religious sentiments, spread misinformation, and disturb public harmony.

The complaint was lodged at Chowk police station by Mano, a Tamil Nadu resident whose company has been involved in strengthening cremation facilities and improving the ghat since November 15, 2025. According to the complainant, an X handle user posted AI-generated images on the night of January 16, presenting distorted facts that misled devotees and escalated societal tensions.

Alleged anti-government motives

Bansal said the posts not only attempted to inflame religious sentiment but also fostered an anti-government mindset. “Legal action is being taken against the concerned X handle users as well as those who reposted and commented on the content,” he added.

A detailed investigation is underway, and the police warned that strict measures would continue against those spreading rumours or misinformation.

CM Yogi Adityanath refutes claims of temple demolition

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed similar concerns on Saturday, targeting the Congress party over what he called “false propaganda” regarding temple demolitions in Varanasi.

“In the last one or two days, videos claiming the demolition of temples in Kashi and Manikarnika Ghat have gone viral. I came here today to present the true facts before the public and counter the conspiracies and propaganda aimed at disrupting the comprehensive development works carried out here over the past 11 years,” CM Yogi said.

Rejecting the authenticity of the videos, he alleged that AI-generated content was being used to mislead people and disrupt development work in Dalmandi. “Everyone knows that the temples at Manikarnika Ghat remain exactly where they were,” he said.

Highlighting the broader progress, the Chief Minister added that Kashi’s spiritual and cultural heritage has been preserved while achieving significant material development. Citing the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, he noted that daily devotees visiting the shrine increased from 5,000–25,000 to 1.25–1.5 lakh, contributing over Rs 1.3 lakh crore to the national GDP.

District administration safeguards heritage

The Varanasi District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar has also clarified that no temples or cultural structures are being harmed and cautioned the public against misinformation on social media.

“New and well-organised platforms are being constructed for cremations, providing greater convenience to devotees and bereaved families,” he said, adding that a tall chimney is being installed for proper disposal of ashes and systematic storage of cremation wood is underway.

The DM emphasised that artworks, sculptures, and temples at the ghat remain protected under the Department of Culture. “Those spreading rumours on social media are being identified and kept under constant surveillance. If required, strict action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he stated.

Kumar said the project aims to preserve the traditional identity of the ghat while upgrading facilities to meet modern requirements, ensuring devotees are not inconvenienced.