Prayagraj: In an effort to curb misinformation ahead of the ongoing Maha Kumbh, authorities have registered 13 FIRs against 140 social media accounts for spreading misleading content. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) for Maha Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, confirmed that legal action was taken after a false claim circulated online regarding a train fire that allegedly killed 300 pilgrims en route to the religious gathering. The viral video, originally depicting a 2022 fire on Bangladesh’s Parbat Express, was debunked by officials, leading to swift police intervention.
Security and Arrangements for Maha Shivratri
With the upcoming Maha Shivratri festival on 26 February 2025, authorities have intensified security measures to manage the large influx of devotees. DIG Krishna assured that meticulous planning has been undertaken to prevent overcrowding and ensure smooth movement of pilgrims in the Maha Kumbh area. Measures such as increased security personnel, barricading, and real-time monitoring have been put in place to facilitate an orderly experience for worshippers.
Massive Devotee Turnout at Maha Kumbh
The ongoing Maha Kumbh has already witnessed an overwhelming number of devotees performing the holy dip at Triveni Sangam. As of Sunday, nearly 8.773 million pilgrims had participated, while the total visitor count has surpassed 620 million since the start of the event. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been closely monitoring the situation, ensuring that all arrangements align with the state’s crowd management plans.
Crowd Control at Railway Stations
Given the anticipated surge in footfall for Maha Shivratri, authorities have ramped up security and crowd control measures at key transit points, including Ayodhya Dham Railway Station. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Yashwant Singh emphasized that additional personnel have been deployed, bringing the total security staff to over 350. Barricading has been implemented, and passengers are being allowed onto platforms only when their train is ready for boarding. Regular announcements are being made to ensure order and prevent platform congestion.
The final major holy bath (snan) of the Maha Kumbh is set for Maha Shivratri on 26 February 2025, and officials are committed to ensuring a safe and seamless experience for all devotees attending the grand religious gathering.
