The Times of India
Elections 2026Lucknow / The Times of India
A photographer was robbed of equipment worth Rs 15 lakh after being lured to a fake birthday party. Police uncovered an inside job, with the victim's own assistant, Rohan Sharma, allegedly masterminding the heist to settle his debts. Sharma, aware of the expensive gear and the photographer's schedule, conspired with associates. Three arrests were made, and all stolen items recovered.
Customs officials at Lucknow airport seized 13 kg of hydroponic marijuana, valued at Rs 13 crore, from a passenger arriving from Muscat. The narcotic substance was discovered concealed within chocolate packets during baggage screening. The passenger was subsequently arrested under the NDPS Act and remanded to judicial custody.
Uttar Pradesh STF arrested two B.Com graduates in Delhi for creating a network of bogus firms that facilitated fraudulent Input Tax Credit claims. The accused allegedly generated fake GST transactions and invoices, causing crores in revenue loss to the government. This operation is part of a larger interstate syndicate investigation.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a proposal to rename Fazilnagar in Kushinagar district as Pavagarh. This renaming honors Lord Mahavir. The Chief Minister highlighted the government's commitment to development and cultural heritage. He also spoke about the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The event saw the inauguration of development projects worth over Rs 424 crore.
A 28-year-old woman accused Manzoor Ali of abducting her from her parental home in Lucknow in March 2021. She alleges he kept her captive for nearly five years, repeatedly sexually assaulting her and moving her across Uttar Pradesh. The victim was recently rescued and Ali has been arrested.
No Outsider Can Define Faith, Says CM
Uttar Pradesh has significantly bolstered its cybercrime response with the inauguration of an expanded Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre and upgraded 1930 Cyber Helpline. Now boasting 80 operator seats, the facility aims to expedite the freezing of fraudulent transactions and recovery of victims' funds.
Uttar Pradesh ATS apprehended a 22-year-old for allegedly working with a Pakistan-backed terror network. The group groomed Indian youth via social media, assigning missions including targeting BJP leaders. Recovered items include a pistol and cartridges. The accused was reportedly handled by Pakistan-based operatives, with a rial mission involving assassination plans.
The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has objected to UPPCL's calculation of the fuel and power purchase adjustment surcharge (FPPAS), stating it cannot be used for historical liabilities. The commission has demanded an explanation for nearly Rs 1,400 crore in old dues included in the March 2026 surcharge, potentially offering relief to millions of consumers facing higher electricity bills.
Rajeev Krishna, the newly appointed DGP of Uttar Pradesh, shared exciting developments in law enforcement during a press conference. He praised the transformative impact of Mission Shakti on womens safety, alongside a surge in crime prevention efforts bolstered by high-tech solutions like the Yaksh App.
The Supreme Court has directed the government to expedite appointments to the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) and ensure serving members continue until new ones are in place. This move aims to prevent a significant reduction in functional benches, thereby safeguarding access to justice for armed forces personnel. The court also extended the tenure of retiring members until September 2026.
Commercial LPG cylinder prices in Lucknow surged by Rs 42 from June 1, impacting businesses like hotels and restaurants. This price adjustment, affecting various cylinder sizes, follows a nationwide trend amid efforts to bolster India's fuel security. Domestic cooking gas prices remain unchanged.

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