Maha Kumbh 2025: Cop suspended after viral video shows him pouring ash into food for devotees

Authorities suspended a police officer in Prayagraj after a viral video showed him pouring ash into food being prepared for devotees at a bhandara during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Trans Ganga, Kuldeep Singh, ordered the suspension of the SHO Brijesh Tiwari after an initial inquiry found him guilty.

The incident took place on Thursday night near Bhavapur Toll Plaza Road when the locals were preparing meals for devotees walking towards the Sangam on foot.

According to reports, Brijesh Tiwari, Station House Officer (SHO) of Soraon police station, was angry that the bhandara was being organised without police permission. The SHO first asked the locals to vacate the area, but when they refused to comply, he poured ash into one of the food vessels.

The video has sparked outrage and has gone viral on social media.

WATCH VIDEO

As the video came to the notice of higher police authorities, a probe was ordered into the matter.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Soraon, who led the inquiry, found the SHO guilty in his preliminary report.

The DCP also directed the ACP to conduct a thorough probe into the case.

FIR against man for outrageous comments about women

Police have registered an FIR against a man from Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly after a video of him making outrageous comments about women at the Maha Kumbh 2025 surfaced online, police officials said on Friday.

A case has been registered against Sabir Hussain, a resident of Mirganj in Bareilly, under Section 353 (spreading false information, rumours) of the BNS at the Mirganj police station after an investigation of the video of insulting comments about women at the Maha Kumbh, said Circle Officer (CO) Anjani Kumar Tiwari.

Deputy Inspector Yatendra Kumar said that a viral post was received in which Hussain, a resident of Mirganj, broadcast fake news on the Maha Kumbh.

It was said in the complaint that he falsely claimed women were being stripped naked in the Yogi Adityanath government.

The police is searching for the accused, the circle officer said.