Azamgarh police busted an inter-state marijuana smuggling gang, seizing 70 kg of cannabis and arresting two individuals. The contraband was found in a hidden chamber within an auto designed for smuggling. The traffickers revealed they sourced the drugs from Odisha and transported them through Uttar Pradesh to Bihar and Deoria for profit.

Ballia police solved the case of a girl found hanging from a tree on March 23 using post-mortem report, electronic evidence, and physical evidence. The girl, whose wedding was scheduled for April 25, watched YouTube videos before committing suicide. Investigation revealed signs suggesting suicide without external involvement. The case is still under investigation.

Police apprehended two notorious criminals after a confrontation in Varanasi. Ajay Sahni, one criminal, was injured and hospitalized, while Tribhuvan, the other, had a Rs 25,000 reward on him. The encounter occurred during an Operation Chakravyuh check near the Ujala intersection, where the criminals attempted to escape but were ultimately captured under the Vishwa Sundari Bridge.

The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has announced the closure of meat, fish, and poultry shops during Chaitra Navratri. The mayor also enforced a ban on cigarette sales near religious sites and schools. Numerous proposals, including infrastructure improvements around temples and updates to municipal policies, were approved for implementation.

A reward of Rs 2.5 lakh has been announced for Anuj Kanaujia, a notorious shooter from Mukhtar Ansari's gang, who is wanted for nearly two dozen serious cases. The police have been intensifying their pursuit following Ansari's death. The reward was raised to encourage information leading to his arrest.

A girls father lodged an FIR against Sanjay Dwivedi and others, claiming that they canceled the marriage after he hesitated to give a car worth Rs 25 lakh as dowry. Despite paying Rs 21 lakh during engagement and spending over Rs 23 lakh on other arrangements, the groom married another girl in Lucknow.

The Banaras Literature Festival, a three-day event, featured engaging discussion sessions with actor Jameel Khan and actress-singer Ila Arun sharing personal insights. Highlights included a captivating performance by the band Indian Ocean and exhibitions showcasing artwork from various artists, delighting the audience.