Prayagraj: A recent post on X (formerly Twitter) by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) at Kumbh Mela has highlighted a deceptive video that is spreading online. The video incorrectly asserted that a blaze erupted at the hospital and medical area of Maha Kumbh.
In a recent X post, an account named Adv. Nazneen Akhtar (@NazneenAkhtar23) shared a video claiming that there was fire breakout in the hospital section of Maha Kumbh. The visuals showcased officers wearing toxic gas mask and putting off the fire.
IPS Vaibhav Krishna, who is DIG at Kumbh presently, reposted the video from his X account debunking the misleading video. The DIG explained that the video was in fact from a fire drill carried out by the Kumbh Mela Police several days earlier.
DIG Vaibhav Krishna stated in his repost on X that strict action will be taken against the misleading post- "This is absolutely false information. You are indulging in rumour mongering. The video you are showing is of our Fire Mock Drill a few days back conducted by Kumbh Mela Police. Strong Legal Action will be taken against you if you float any unsubstantiated info."
This is absolutely false information. You are indulging in rumour mongering. The video you are showing is of our Fire Mock Drill a few days back conducted by Kumbh Mela Police. Strong Legal Action will be taken against you if you float any unsubstantiated info.@kumbhMelaPolUP https://t.co/ZseEoJyX5w
— Vaibhav Krishna (@Krishna_VK12) January 13, 2025
The DIG cautioned that stringent legal measures would be pursued against individuals disseminating unfounded information. This event underscores the necessity of confirming details prior to disseminating them, particularly on social media sites where false information can rapidly circulate.
The misleading post regarding the fire incident by Adv. Nazneen Akhtar on X has been deleted by the user shortly after the warning from DIG Vaibhav Krishna.
As Maha Kumbh begins today, propagandists have started spreading fake news.
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) January 13, 2025
A viral video claims that there is a fire at a hospital in Kumbh Mela. This is fake news created to cause panic.
Fact: The is video of mock drill conducted by UP Police ahead of Kumbh Mela. Share this! pic.twitter.com/Q3B7yi3nZS
Maha Kumbh Begins
The Maha Kumbh Mela is a huge occasion that draws millions of worshippers, and it is essential to ensure the correctness of information to prevent unnecessary anxiety or disorder. The officials are implementing measures to guarantee the safety and security of the event.
Regarding safety measures, the Uttar Pradesh government has taken every possible step to guarantee a secure and safe experience for pilgrims at Maha Kumbh 2025. Security protocols have been enhanced at temples and important locations, with surveillance systems set up to track possible dangers.
Furthermore, more than 45,000 law enforcement officers have been assigned to uphold law and order. On the inaugural day of Maha Kumbh 2025, a large gathering of worshippers came together, with projections indicating that more than 35 crore pilgrims will participate in the event.