Overview
- Police in Varanasi registered eight FIRs over social media posts on the Manikarnika Ghat project, naming AAP MP Sanjay Singh and Bihar leader Pappu Yadav among the accused.
- Investigators allege AI-generated images and videos distorted facts and incited religious passion, with the cyber cell aiding the case.
- Complaints came from the ghat’s construction firm and a government official, and police say legal action also covers reposts and comments.
- District authorities deny damage to temples or a century-old Ahilyabai Holkar idol, saying recovered idols and artefacts will be preserved and reinstalled after work.
- Separately, Chowk police earlier filed two cases against eight people, issued notices seeking explanations, and warned of strict action as Singh continued his jobs–social justice march and rejected wrongdoing.