Cases Filed in Varanasi Over AI-Generated Images, False Social Media Claims

Police in Varanasi have registered eight separate cases against individuals accused of spreading AI-generated images and false information about the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat, one of Hinduism’s most sacred cremation sites.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaurav Bansal confirmed that the cases were filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against eight people and several X (formerly Twitter) accounts. The charges stem from what authorities describe as a deliberate campaign to spread misinformation about the ongoing beautification project at the historic ghat.

According to police reports, the accused shared fabricated, AI-generated images on social media that misrepresented the actual renovation work taking place at the site. These images allegedly depicted Hindu religious symbols in a manner designed to provoke outrage and hurt religious sentiments.

“These posts presented completely distorted facts about the redevelopment project,” Bansal stated. “The intent appears to have been not only to hurt religious sentiments but also to create an anti-government mindset and disturb social harmony.”

The complaint that triggered the investigation was filed at Chowk police station by Mano, a resident of Tamil Nadu whose company has been handling the ghat’s renovation since November 15, 2023. According to the complaint, users on X began sharing the manipulated images on January 16, which quickly gained traction through reposts and inflammatory comments.

The controversy occurs amid broader tensions surrounding the redevelopment project at Manikarnika Ghat, which has been underway for several months. The sacred site, located on the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, holds immense religious significance for Hindus who believe cremation there leads to moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Local residents and religious groups have staged protests against aspects of the renovation, expressing concerns about potential damage to heritage structures and religious artifacts. Some have claimed that temple structures near the ghat have been harmed during the construction work.

District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar has attempted to quell these concerns, stating unequivocally that “no harm has been caused to any temple” during the redevelopment process. Officials maintain that the project aims to enhance facilities for bereaved families and improve the overall experience for pilgrims and tourists while preserving the site’s religious and cultural significance.

The Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment is part of a larger urban renewal initiative in Varanasi, which has seen significant infrastructure investments since 2014. The city, which is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency, has undergone extensive renovations, most notably the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor project that was completed in 2021.

Authorities have warned that their crackdown will extend beyond the original posters to include those who reposted and commented on the misleading content. “Strict action will continue against anyone spreading rumors and misinformation about this sacred site,” Bansal emphasized.

The case highlights the growing challenge of combating AI-generated misinformation in India, particularly when it intersects with sensitive religious and cultural issues. As artificial intelligence tools become more sophisticated and accessible, law enforcement agencies across the country are increasingly confronting instances where deepfakes and manipulated media are used to inflame communal tensions.

Police officials have indicated that forensic analysis of the images is underway to determine their origin and the methods used to create them. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities promising further actions against those responsible for creating and disseminating the misleading content.