Varanasi Police Investigate AI-Tampered Temple Images in Manikarnika Ghat Row
The Varanasi city police are actively investigating two FIRs that allege the creation of fake narratives through social media posts targeting the Manikarnika Ghat renovation project. On Sunday, police officials revealed that old images of the Kumbha Mahadev temple, situated within the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor, were manipulated using artificial intelligence. These altered images were then posted on the social media platform X with the intent to spread confusion about the alleged demolition of a temple as part of the Manikarnika Ghat project.
Police Action and Legal Framework
ACP (Dashaswamedh) Atul Anjan Tripathi confirmed on Sunday that an investigation commenced following the registration of an FIR against eight individuals and various X handles. The charges include sections 196 for promoting enmity, 298 for destroying places of worship, 299 for malicious attempts to outrage religious sentiments, and 353 for rumor mongering under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Initial findings from the police probe indicate that old photographs of the Kumbha Mahadev temple, which still stands within the KV Dham complex, were utilized in posts on X by a specific handler. All accused parties have received notices requiring them to appear before the police to provide their statements.
Background on the Temple and Misleading Claims
The Kumbha Mahadev temple was carefully preserved during the extensive rejuvenation of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham between 2019 and 2021. Worship activities at this temple have continued without any interruption. It is important to note that this temple is not located at Manikarnika Ghat, yet its images were employed in a misleading social media post to create a false impression.
Complaint and Accused Individuals
A formal police complaint was filed on Saturday by Mano, a native of Tamil Nadu who serves as the project manager for the company overseeing the renovation of the historic Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. Additional municipal commissioner Sangam Lal also joined in filing the complaint. Based on this complaint, an FIR was registered against the following individuals:
- Ashutosh Pontis
- Sanjay Singh of AAP
- Pappu Yadav
- Jasvinder Kaur of Congress
- Praganya Gupta
- Manish Singh
- Ritu Rathaur
- Sandip Dev
However, it remains unclear whether the Sanjay Singh mentioned in the FIR refers to the AAP MP or another individual with the same name.
Impact on Social Harmony and Project Details
In his complaint, Mano emphasized that the images circulating on social media are entirely fake and misleading. He stated that such actions are damaging social harmony and spreading lies about the beautification work at Manikarnika Ghat. Mano further explained that his company initiated the renovation and beautification work on Manikarnika Ghat in November of last year.
He specifically pointed out that an X user named Ashutosh Potnis shared photographs that contradicted the actual facts. Several of these posts were subsequently reposted by other users on the platform. Mano warned that this behavior could stoke social discord and create unnecessary confusion among the public. He provided screenshots of the posts shared by various X handles as evidence to support his claims.
