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Elections 2026Lucknow / The Times of India
Lucknow's art scene buzzed with the opening of 'Mitti Se Mehrab,' a solo exhibition by self-taught artist Farzana Sahab. Padma Shri Malini Awasthi inaugurated the showcase, featuring around 55 works inspired by childhood memories, Bundelkhand's folk art, and Awadhi architectural elements. Visitors explored themes of memory, identity, and heritage, engaging with the artist's unique visual narratives.
Rae Bareli Cyber Police have booked four individuals, including three suspected members of an inter-state fraud ring, for using mule bank accounts to launder money from online scams. The syndicate allegedly exploited financially distressed individuals to open accounts, channeling lakhs in illicit funds. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the accused.
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel hosted a special screening of 'Krishnavataram Part 1: The Heart' in Lucknow. The film, featuring her granddaughter Sanskruti Jayana as Satyabhama, captivated attendees including CM Yogi Adityanath. Praised for its cultural depiction, the movie was declared tax-free in UP, with plans for student screenings.
A 65-year-old woman was attacked by a leopard in Bahraich district, sustaining injuries to her neck and hands. Villagers intervened, forcing the animal to flee. This incident adds to a series of recent leopard attacks in the area, heightening fear and prompting demands for stronger forest department action.
Shot in the leg in bid to escape
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Uttar Pradesh STF arrested Om Kumar, the alleged kingpin of an inter-state online fraud racket. The gang operated fake Telegram channels, falsely claiming access to leaked question papers for competitive exams, cheating aspirants out of thousands. Investigations are ongoing to uncover a wider network.
Two key accused, carrying Rs 50,000 reward each, were arrested in a Rs 74 lakh property fraud case linked to Vrindavan Yojana. The well-organized racket involved forged documents, financial manipulation, and intimidation. The mastermind allegedly orchestrated the fraud, while another accused acted as a forger and enforcer, even threatening the victim.
A doctor at a Uttar Pradesh community health centre was allegedly assaulted by a man who demanded he join the 'Cockroach Janta Party'. When the doctor refused, citing rules against political involvement for government employees, an argument ensued. The accused reportedly vandalized property and threatened the doctor before fleeing.
In a significant administrative shift, the Uttar Pradesh government has moved the UPEIDA from the industries department to the infrastructure development department, now held by CM Yogi Adityanath. This move aims to streamline work distribution and remove duplication, aligning UPEIDA's administrative control with its core function of large-scale infrastructure creation.
A BTech student was apprehended in Sitapur following a police encounter for allegedly murdering his three-month pregnant girlfriend over marriage disputes. The accused, injured during an escape attempt, confessed to strangling and stabbing the BSc student before dumping her body. Skeletal remains were recovered, with forensic tests pending.
A 40-year-old man in Mahoba district died beside the graves of his wife and son, just 11 days after their deaths. Subhan Ahmad was found in a prayer-like position, seemingly overcome by grief after his son died from a heatwave and his wife shortly after. The incident leaves three children orphaned.
Maharajganj Police and SSB apprehended a Myanmar national, Phyo, near the India-Nepal border, seizing 4.532 kg of high-grade hydroponic weed valued at Rs 4.5 crore. The contraband, originating from Thailand and routed through Nepal, was destined for India, possibly Delhi. This significant bust highlights Nepal's growing role as a transit hub for international drug syndicates.
Uttar Pradesh Police's Economic Offences Wing arrested Mahipal Singh, a director of Karmabhoomi Real Estate Company Limited, in connection with a 100 crore fraud. The company allegedly duped hundreds of investors by promising high returns and plot allotments but failed to deliver. Five other directors remain absconding.
Gyanveer Singh, a new Regional Passport Officer in Lucknow, prioritizes reducing applicant visits through enhanced digital communication. He aims to streamline services, drawing on international experience to maintain India's efficient passport system. Singh has implemented measures like WhatsApp grievance redressal and the Passport Van initiative to improve public access and applicant experience.