The Times of India

An elderly couple and another passenger were allegedly drugged on the Saryu Express en route to Ayodhya. Found unconscious at Sultanpur, the three were rushed to a hospital for treatment. Authorities are investigating the suspected poisoning incident, with one victim in serious condition. Efforts are underway to contact their families.

A Varanasi court denied bail to 14 individuals arrested for an alleged Iftar gathering on the Ganga, accused of eating chicken biryani on a boat. Charges include defiling a place of worship and hurting religious sentiments. The court deemed the offenses grave, citing the prosecution's argument that granting bail could impede the judicial process.

Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad emotionally demanded Scheduled Caste status for the Nishad community, vowing to resign if the demand isn't met. He led a large rally, urging unity and highlighting alleged injustices. Nishad stated the community's votes are taken while their dignity is violated, pushing for a constitutional right to SC status and a 9% OBC quota reallocation.

Police in Lucknow and Agra have arrested several individuals involved in recent snatching incidents. One man accused of mobile theft was apprehended after a shootout. In a separate case, three men suspected of robbing a jeweller were caught following an exchange of fire. Another accused in a chain snatching case was also taken into custody after a similar encounter.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has accused the government of misusing public funds to tarnish opposition parties through the film 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge'. He alleges the ruling establishment is financing such projects and their releases. This statement comes as the film, starring Ranveer Singh, achieves significant box office success, crossing 300 crore.

Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad wept at a rally, accusing opposition parties of backing criminals and neglecting the Nishad community. He praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for championing their rights. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the minister's tears, suggesting they stemmed from joining the BJP and highlighted the growing PDA movement.