A significant legal and political row has erupted in Varanasi following the circulation of AI-generated images related to the redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat, Hinduism’s holiest cremation site. As of January 18, 2026, the Uttar Pradesh police have intensified their crackdown on what Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has termed “false propaganda.”
The Core of the Dispute
The controversy began on the night of January 16, 2026, when several social media handles, including one identified as “Ashutosh Potnis,” shared visuals allegedly showing the demolition of ancient structures and idols at the ghat.
- The Allegation: Officials state these images were AI-generated and falsely depicted the destruction of heritage to provoke public anger.
- The Reality: The government maintains that the ₹55,000 crore Kashi redevelopment plan focuses on strengthening cremation facilities and beautifying the riverfront without compromising spiritual integrity.
Legal Crackdown: 8 FIRs Registered
Varanasi police, led by DCP Gaurav Bansal, have filed eight separate First Information Reports (FIRs) at the Chowk Police Station.
| Metric | Details |
| Total FIRs | 8 |
| Primary Target | Individuals and X handles spreading “fabricated visuals.” |
| Complainant | Mano, a Tamil Nadu-based contractor whose firm has been working at the ghat since Nov 15, 2025. |
| Legal Sections | Filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for hurting religious sentiments and disturbing harmony. |
[!WARNING]
Extending Liability: The police have warned that legal action is being taken not just against the original posters, but also against those who reposted or commented on the misleading content.
Political War of Words
The issue has sparked a sharp divide between the ruling BJP and the opposition.
- The Opposition (Congress & NCP-SP): The Congress party shared clips of the images, labeling the work “pure narcissism in power” and comparing it to the commercialization of Jallianwala Bagh. NCP MP Supriya Sule urged a clarification, expressing concern over the “alterations affecting heritage.”
- The Government (Yogi Adityanath): CM Adityanath dismissed the claims as “baseless allegations” by a frustrated opposition. He highlighted that daily footfall at Kashi has risen from 15,000 to over 1.5 lakh since the Vishwanath Corridor’s completion, proving the public’s support for the rejuvenation.
- The Challenge: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav challenged the CM to “look the people of Varanasi in the eye” and repeat his claims of unprecedented development on the ghats themselves.