The Times of India
Elections 2026Lucknow / The Times of India
Cites Allegations By Ram Gopal, Kejriwal, Priyanka
A 55-year-old woman, Ketki, was tragically killed in a suspected crocodile attack in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district. Her body was recovered from the Saryu River after villagers spotted it in the reptile's jaws. The attack occurred as she returned from a wedding. Authorities are investigating the incident and have warned residents to avoid crocodile-prone areas.
BJP national president Nitin Nabin lambasted opposition parties for their historical views regarding the Ram Temple and Hindu sentiments, stating they have no moral high ground to question the government. He reaffirmed the party's commitment to safeguarding the beliefs of devotees, alluding to planned strategies for the 2027 elections, while praising the transformative leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Adityanath.
A crucial link road to Uttar Pradesh's Ganga Expressway in Unnao has partially collapsed after the first monsoon rains, with locals alleging substandard construction. Residents claim their concerns about the road's stability were ignored during its development. Officials stated the matter falls under UPEIDA's purview, while repair work is underway on the affected seven-meter stretch.
The CBI has apprehended the final fugitive in the 2002 Garhwa Fort idol theft and murder case, bringing all four wanted individuals to justice over two decades later. Ramnarayan alias Hyder was arrested in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh. The crime involved the brutal murder of a watchman and the theft of an ancient Buddha idol from a protected monument. This marks a significant closure for the long-standing investigation.
A significant meeting of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is on the horizon, with the potential resignations of key figures like General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra expected to dominate discussions. The Trust will also address ongoing probes into donation misuse, outline its future leadership framework, and evaluate financial reports for the next fiscal year, alongside appointing a new CEO.
An organized insider operation is suspected in the alleged theft of donations for the Ram temple, with an employee identified as a central figure. Investigators are examining evidence suggesting daily cash siphoning and suspicious behavior captured on CCTV. The probe also scrutinizes the handling of precious metal donations, with significant cash recoveries reported from several accused.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad president Alok Kumar has urged authorities to summon opposition leaders who have publicly alleged theft of offerings at the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. Kumar wants leaders like Ram Gopal Yadav, Arvind Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to substantiate their claims regarding missing valuables and the scale of the alleged scam.
An emergency meeting is scheduled as the Ram temple trust grapples with a donation theft scandal. Investigations reveal early warnings were ignored, leading to the emergence of Avinash Shukla as a key accused. Significant financial improvements among suspects and potential daily theft of Rs 6-8 lakh are under scrutiny. CCTV footage and close ties between staff and trust members are also being examined.
An investigation into Ram Temple donations in Ayodhya has revealed a stark financial uplift among accused individuals, with some building homes and acquiring SUVs despite modest known incomes. Evidence suggests significant daily siphoning of funds, estimated at Rs 6 to Rs 8 lakh, particularly during the Maha Kumbh period. Concerns were raised about the handling of precious metal donations and the lack of proper oversight.
Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) has justified revising electricity loads for over 46 lakh consumers, citing adherence to the Electricity Supply Code. This move, affecting some smart meter users, aims to align sanctioned loads with actual usage. However, consumer groups allege violations of central policies and potential financial burdens, particularly for BPL households whose subsidies may be impacted by increased load limits.
A notorious fugitive, convicted for a 2008 dacoity-cum-murder in Gujarat and on the run for over 15 years after escaping police custody, has been apprehended in Ayodhya. Ghanshyam Verma, who had been living under an assumed identity as a mechanic, was arrested in a joint operation by UP STF and Gujarat Police. His capture concludes a lengthy manhunt across multiple states.
A woman caused a stir at Gonda railway station by climbing a 150-foot tower with her three young children, demanding to live with her alleged lover. After a tense nine-hour standoff, a specialized SDRF team successfully brought the family down safely. The woman's desperate plea to unite with her partner led to the dramatic rescue operation, drawing a large crowd.
Uttar Pradesh ATS apprehended a man with a 25,000 bounty, allegedly a key player in a cross-border fake currency network. Operating from Bangladesh via West Bengal, the syndicate supplied counterfeit notes to various Indian states. This arrest follows the earlier capture of two associates in Varanasi, who revealed the supply chain. Investigators are now working to dismantle the entire operation and identify more syndicate members.
Ayodhya police are intensifying their probe into alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement, tracing an SUV linked to accused Avinash Shukla used for transporting misappropriated cash. Investigators are examining the vehicle's records and questioning Shukla, a former donation counting employee. Authorities believe more cash and valuables may be hidden, with the SUV's digital evidence crucial for tracing the stolen funds and identifying other accomplices.

35 C