Varanasi police have registered eight criminal cases after allegedly fake, AI-generated images linked to redevelopment work at Manikarnika Ghat, one of Hinduism’s holiest cremation sites, circulated widely on social media. Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaurav Bansal said the cases were filed at Chowk police station against eight people and several social media accounts on X. The complaints accuse them of sharing fabricated images and misleading claims about the ongoing beautification and strengthening work at the ghat. Related NewsChai, Coffee and Conversations: Why India’s Beverage Culture Is About More Than Taste Police said the posts included visuals allegedly linked to Hindu deities and were circulated with the intent to hurt religious sentiments, spread misinformation and provoke public anger. Authorities said the content misrepresented the actual nature of the redevelopment work and triggered a wave of objectionable comments and reposts, escalating tensions online. The cases were registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, India’s new criminal law code.
