MAU, Uttar Pradesh: Police in Mau district have registered a case against unidentified persons after videos and photographs circulating on social media appeared to show a ritual being performed with a photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The footage has caused a stir locally and drawn political reaction.
According to the reports, the incident came to light on the Saryu riverbank near a cremation ground in the Dohrighat police station area. The video shows a framed picture of the Prime Minister placed on the ground, surrounded by coconuts, lemons, nails and saffron-coloured powder. Local residents who noticed the scene alerted the police, who reached the spot and seized the items.
Circle Officer (Ghosi) Satyendra Bhushan Tiwari said an FIR had been registered against unknown persons under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police and the cyber cell are investigating where and when the video was recorded, who uploaded it to social media, and whether the photograph was deliberately placed there. CCTV footage and technical evidence from the surrounding area are being examined. Police said it would only become clear after the investigation whether a ritual was actually performed at the site.
The episode has also become a political talking point. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) posted on X, mocking the police and saying they were spending time on a black-magic episode instead of addressing law and order, crime and unemployment in Uttar Pradesh. The exchange has prompted a war of words between the BJP and opposition parties.