#JUSTIN: Sanjay Singh Booked in Fake AI Images Case at Manikarnika Ghat

Police in Varanasi have registered eight FIRs against individuals, including AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, for allegedly circulating AI-generated fake images, videos, and misleading information on social media regarding the ongoing redevelopment at Manikarnika Ghat. The historic cremation site, revered for granting ‘moksha’ to those cremated there, is undergoing beautification and strengthening of facilities since November 2025. A complaint by the project’s contractor highlighted how fabricated content distorted facts, potentially hurting religious sentiments and disturbing public harmony.

The cases, filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Chowk Police Station, target eight people—including Congress leaders Pappu Yadav and Jaswinder Kaur—along with certain X handles. Authorities revealed that AI-manipulated visuals and videos went viral, creating confusion and resentment among devotees. Police stated the posts appeared designed to provoke anger, spread misinformation, and endanger social harmony by linking false claims to Hindu deities and the site’s sacred status.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Atul Anjan Tripathi confirmed investigations showed deliberate fabrication and fact manipulation in the viral material. The redevelopment aims to enhance cremation infrastructure without compromising heritage, but opposition voices have accused the Yogi-Modi government of destroying Varanasi’s cultural legacy. Protests erupted earlier over alleged damage to structures like a century-old idol of Ahilyabai Holkar, though officials refuted such claims.

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Reacting to the FIR, Sanjay Singh maintained that the work had indeed caused destruction at the ghat, framing his posts as raising legitimate concerns rather than misinformation. The incident underscores growing worries over AI-driven deepfakes and their role in amplifying political narratives on sensitive religious issues. Police have warned of strict action against those spreading rumours, with a detailed probe ongoing to trace origins and impacts.

This development highlights tensions around Varanasi’s transformation projects, where heritage preservation clashes with modernization efforts. As the cases proceed, they spotlight the challenges of regulating social media content in a diverse, faith-sensitive society, especially amid opposition criticism demanding consultation with religious leaders before further work.

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