The cases have been lodged against eight people and certain X accounts under different sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaurav Bansal stated on Saturday.
According to law enforcement, manipulated images and deceptive content contradicting the actual details of the ongoing beautification efforts at Manikarnika Ghat were posted on the social media platform X.
Officials claimed that images associated with Hindu deities were shared with the aim of provoking religious sentiments, disseminating false information, and inciting public outrage, which could disrupt social harmony.
The police received a complaint regarding this issue at the Chowk police station from Mano, a resident of Tamil Nadu.
The complainant expressed that his company has been working since November 15, 2025, to enhance cremation-related facilities and beautify Manikarnika Ghat.
As per the complaint, an X account holder allegedly circulated AI-generated and misleading images on the night of January 16.
The posts, according to police, presented twisted facts, misguiding devotees of the Hindu faith and fostering resentment within society.
The posts led to a surge of objectionable comments and shares, further heightening tensions, according to the police.
Bansal indicated that these attempts were made not only to offend religious sentiments but also to cultivate an anti-government sentiment within the community.
In light of the seriousness of the situation, legal measures are being pursued against the implicated X account users as well as those who reposted and commented on the content, he noted.
Bansal confirmed that a thorough investigation is currently in progress and cautioned that stringent actions will continue against those propagating rumors and misinformation on social media.
First Published: Jan 18, 2026 12:49 PM IST
