Maha Kumbh Mela: UP Police registers 13 FIRs against 140 social media handles; Akhilesh Yadav calls out ‘double blunder’

Maha Kumbh Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna has confirmed that 13 FIRs have been lodged against 140 social media accounts for spreading misleading content. He also assured that all necessary preparations have been made for the upcoming Maha Shivratri festival on February 26, 2025.

“Thirteen FIRs have been registered against 140 social media handles that shared misleading content… Today, more than one crore people have taken a holy dip,” Krishna told ANI.

He further stated that extensive arrangements had been put in place to ensure smooth traffic flow during the festival. “Efforts will be made to prevent traffic congestion in the Mahakumbh area. Regardless of the size of the crowd, we are fully prepared,” he added.

On Sunday, a significant number of devotees gathered at the sacred Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj to take a holy dip as part of the ongoing Maha Kumbh celebrations. According to the Uttar Pradesh government's information department, approximately 8.77 million devotees had participated in the ritual as of Sunday.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj had witnessed a total footfall of 620 million devotees. Meanwhile, authorities have introduced extensive crowd management measures at Ayodhya Dham Railway Station to ensure safety and smooth operations.

With Maha Shivratri approaching, a surge in the number of devotees is anticipated.

Speaking to ANI, Deputy Superintendent of Police Yashwant Singh highlighted the measures in place to regulate crowds at the railway station. “Devotees are allowed to proceed to the platform only when the train arrives. Security has been heightened ahead of the Maha Kumbh ‘snan’ on Maha Shivratri, with over 350 personnel now deployed. Barricades have been installed, and a holding area has been set up for passengers,” he stated.

Regular announcements are being made to keep passengers informed, and entry to platforms is restricted to prevent overcrowding. “We are ensuring that the number of people on the platform does not exceed its capacity. All arrangements are in place,” Singh added.

As the festival progresses, thousands of devotees continue to flock to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh. The final major holy dip is scheduled for Maha Shivratri on February 26.

'Double blunder': Akhilesh Yadav

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the Yogi Adityanath government over its handling of the Maha Kumbh arrangements. He urged religious leaders and citizens to assess the organisation of the event, alleging that devotees had experienced difficulties compared to previous years.

Yadav accused the state government of prioritising publicity over effective management. He remarked that faith in the event increased following the Chief Minister’s statements about preparations for 100 crore pilgrims and the attendance of prominent figures.

He also criticised the government’s claims regarding pollution levels at the Sangam in Prayagraj, calling it a “double blunder” instead of a “double-engine government.”

“The Chief Minister claimed preparations were made for 100 crore visitors, which increased devotees’ trust. However, the biggest falsehood is the claim that this Maha Kumbh is happening after 144 years,” Yadav stated.

Additionally, he expressed concern over the stampede on January 29, which resulted in 30 casualties. He questioned the state government’s arrangements, alleging that devotees faced hardships, including a lack of food and frequent accidents. He suggested extending the festival dates to allow more people to participate in the rituals.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, which commenced on January 13, will conclude on February 26, coinciding with Maha Shivratri.

Yadav also criticised the BJP’s economic policies, claiming that promises of doubling incomes, creating jobs, and establishing industries had not materialised. “Poor people cannot understand this game of million and trillion. The commitments made to them have not been fulfilled,” he alleged.

(With ANI inputs)