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Elections 2026Lucknow / The Times of India
The investigation into the Ayodhya temple donation scandal is deepening, with recent searches uncovering cash, gold, and a QR-coded donation box. Authorities have traced over Rs 77 lakh in cash linked to various suspects. The inquiry is now examining around 400 private security personnel. This controversy erupted over claims of mismanaged donations, prompting a Special Investigation Team probe and an FIR against eight individuals, who are currently in judicial custody.
In a remarkable leap for train safety, North Central Railway has implemented Kavach Version 4.0 on the TundlaPanki Dham route. This cutting-edge system now allows trains to operate at speeds reaching 130 kmph across 652 route km. With successful integration and trials, this technology aims to reduce accidents and ensure smoother travel experiences on this crucial railway corridor.
The Ayodhya police are ramping up their investigation into allegations of embezzlement related to Ram temple donations. Recent searches have uncovered a QR-coded donation box alongside substantial amounts of cash, gold, silver, and foreign currency. The scope of the investigation now encompasses approximately 400 private security personnel, with plans for legal repercussions against those who have breached regulations.
A grieving widow is demanding justice after her seafarer husband's body returned from Venezuela with all major organs missing. Rakesh Chauhan, who reportedly died in an accident, was repatriated without an autopsy report. A subsequent post-mortem in India found extensive surgical stitching and the absence of vital organs, leaving the cause of death undetermined and raising serious questions.
Max Amount Recovered From Avinash; Ayodhya Police Expand Donation Theft Probe
Lucknow's Prashasti Srivastav has made history as the first woman to lead as Senior Divisional Commercial Manager for North Eastern Railway's Varanasi Division. A decorated IRTS officer, she previously earned national acclaim for an innovative freight loading system. Srivastav aims to enhance passenger amenities, ensure safe travel, boost revenue, and foster accountability in her new role.
Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has initiated a significant step for Lucknow Metro's Phase 1B, inviting bids worth over Rs 1,800 crore for constructing seven underground stations and tunnels. This crucial underground stretch, from Charbagh to Chowk, is part of the East West Corridor. The project aims to connect Charbagh with Vasant Kunj, enhancing connectivity to Old Lucknow and its medical facilities, with construction expected to take 36 months.
Samajwadi Party workers celebrated Akhilesh Yadav's birthday by unveiling a poster depicting him as Lord Krishna holding the Constitution. This move drew sharp criticism from the BJP, accusing the SP of religious appeasement and insulting Sanatan Dharma. SP leaders defended the poster, stating it symbolizes Yadav's commitment to justice and righteousness, drawing parallels with Lord Krishna's teachings and the prophesied Kalki avatar.
Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, chairman of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has been admitted to the ICU in Lucknow after being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. The 89-year-old was found unconscious and is under critical care. This development comes just days before a crucial trust meeting on July 6, which will address the resignation of two trustees amid controversy over missing donations.
The family of Avinash Shukla, arrested in connection with alleged theft of Ram temple donations in Ayodhya, has appealed for justice, stating he should be punished if guilty but freed if innocent. Avinash, involved in the temple's cash reconciliation, was questioned in jail. His father expressed distress over the family's tarnished reputation, while his mother emphasized their upbringing in honesty.
In a decisive move, authorities in Ballia have shut down the gym run by Irshad Ali, who was recently detained over a controversial Facebook post regarding alleged misappropriation of donations for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The gym was operating unlawfully from a basement lacking crucial fire safety protocols. This closure follows Ali's arrest on Sunday, prompted by accusations that his post intended to incite communal tensions and foster animosity.
Lucknow is set to revive its historic connection with the Gomti River through a new tourist cruise and floating restaurant. This initiative aims to reintroduce the city's vibrant urban leisure experience, echoing past traditions of riverfront gatherings and entertainment. The project, a public-private partnership, will offer scenic rides and fine dining, promising to add a new dimension to Lucknow's tourism and cultural landscape.
Ayodhya Police are intensifying their probe into the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case. Arrested accused Avinash Shukla reportedly revealed that stolen cash was hidden in temple washrooms before being smuggled out. Investigators are now focusing on reconstructing the movement of funds, questioning staff, and examining CCTV blind spots and coordination among the eight arrested individuals. The probe also aims to trace investments made with the alleged embezzled money.
Ayodhya police interrogated Avinash Shukla, an accused in the Ram temple donation theft case, in district jail. Investigators are probing his alleged role in cash counting and reconciliation, suspecting manipulation of records. CCTV footage showing Shukla being escorted with a bag, purportedly containing stolen money, is under examination. Further interrogations of other accused are planned to piece together the alleged embezzlement.
Tragedy struck Ayodhya's Sanaha village Tuesday evening as three women drowned and two teenage girls went missing while bathing in the Ghaghara river. Rescue teams are actively searching for the missing individuals, identified as Rashida and Naziya, both around 15. The deceased have been identified as Mariyam (18), Shaheen (35), and Sajrul (40). Authorities urge extreme caution near water bodies.
A tragic outing turned fatal in Ayodhya's Saryu River as three women from the same family drowned. While bathing, one woman ventured into deep water, leading others to attempt a rescue, resulting in their deaths. Two teenage girls remain missing, prompting an intensive search by rescue teams and the SDRF.
Uttar Pradesh electricity consumers are set to receive refunds for overcharged smart meter fees. Approximately five lakh individuals who obtained new connections between September 2025 and March 2026 will see adjustments in their July bills. This follows a regulatory commission directive after a media investigation exposed discrepancies in meter pricing, leading to an estimated Rs 150-200 crore refund.
K.C. Tyagi, a former JD(U) leader, has been appointed chairman of the RLD's parliamentary board, a key decision-making body. This move signals a strategic shift by RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary to incorporate experienced political managers and broaden the party's appeal beyond its traditional base. The party also aims to build a strong social coalition by balancing various caste and religious groups ahead of the UP assembly elections.
A young man's religious conversion to Islam and subsequent marriage ignited a major controversy in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh. Accused of coercion by his family, he faced legal action and protests. However, the narrative took a sharp turn when he reappeared in a video, announcing his return to Hinduism and apologizing to his parents, a move his father confirmed as a reconnection with family traditions.
Tragedy struck in Gonda as a 24-year-old man, Vimal, died electrocuted while accompanying his sister to her B.Ed exam. His 20-year-old sister, Prachi, sustained severe injuries while attempting to rescue him and is currently hospitalized. The incident occurred near a municipal street light that had become live during light rain. Authorities are investigating the cause of the electrical fault and potential negligence.
A 56-year-old transporter was found brutally murdered near Bahraich after stepping out for a mysterious phone call. Ajay Dwivedi's family suspects foul play, noting his severe injuries and an undamaged motorcycle, suggesting the scene was staged to look like an accident. Police are investigating the unknown caller, call records, and digital footprints to uncover the truth behind this shocking crime.
A tragic incident in Firozabad saw a father and his young son lose their lives after a gas tanker crushed them while they slept outside their home. The family's teenage daughter is critically injured and receiving medical attention. Authorities have apprehended the tanker's driver and seized the vehicle following the devastating early morning accident.
Uttar Pradesh is championing its ancient Maatikala art through the Mukhyamantri Maatikala Rozgar Yojana. This initiative, managed by the UP Maatikala Board, offers bank loans up to Rs. 10 lakh to traditional clay artisans for setting up enterprises. The scheme supports toy manufacturing, household items, building materials, and decorative products, aiming to boost livelihoods and preserve cultural heritage across all 75 districts.
In a commendable move, Uttar Pradesh is increasing financial assistance for leprosy-affected persons via the Kushthavastha Pension Yojana. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government has now elevated the monthly pension to 3000, benefiting over 13,000 citizens. Eligibility is based on residency, leprosy-related disability, and defined income limits, ensuring comprehensive backing for those impacted. Interested individuals can apply online or visit local government centers.