Crackdown Follows Review Meeting on Rising Crime; Robbery Gang Busted and Harassment Accused Held
Lucknow | In a major crackdown on crime following concerns over law and order in the state capital, Lucknow Police arrested eight alleged criminals, including three who were injured during separate police encounters in the Krishna Nagar and Vikas Nagar areas.
The action comes shortly after a high-level review meeting in which Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reportedly expressed concern over rising criminal incidents in the city.
Interstate Robbery Gang Busted
According to police officials, a joint operation by Krishna Nagar Police and the Southern Surveillance Team led to the exposure of an interstate robbery and snatching gang during an early-morning checking drive near Asaram Bapu Ashram Road.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) R. Vasant Kumar stated that police attempted to stop two motorcycle-borne suspects during routine checks. The suspects allegedly opened fire on the police team and tried to escape. In the ensuing exchange, both sustained gunshot injuries to their legs and were apprehended.
The arrested suspects were identified as Rohan alias Guddu and Sahil, residents of Delhi’s Ambedkar Nagar area. Police said they were allegedly involved in a recent robbery of a cigarette consignment from a salesman in Para and in a chain-snatching incident involving a woman.
Officers recovered two country-made firearms, live cartridges, a stolen bag containing cigarette packets, and the motorcycle allegedly used in the crimes.
Five More Gang Members Arrested
During interrogation, investigators identified Rohan as the alleged leader of the gang. Based on information provided by the arrested suspects, police conducted follow-up raids and detained five additional alleged gang members—Ravi Chaurasia, Sumit, Arun alias Bhuvan, Sumit alias Lefty, and Sameer alias Anurag.
Police recovered a stolen gold chain, ₹27,400 in cash, 138 packets of cigarettes, two motorcycles and an Ertiga car believed to have been used in criminal activities.
Investigators said the gang allegedly conducted reconnaissance in isolated areas before carrying out robberies and snatching incidents. To avoid identification, they reportedly altered motorcycle number plates with white paint and avoided using mobile phones during operations. After committing crimes, they allegedly abandoned motorcycles and escaped in a car.
Police claim the group has confessed to involvement in multiple incidents across Ashiyana, PGI, Sushant Golf City and Krishna Nagar areas. More than 200 CCTV camera recordings were reportedly examined during the investigation.
Officials said the accused have criminal records spanning multiple districts and police commissionerates, with more than 20 cases registered against them. Authorities are now considering proceedings under the Gangster Act.
Auto Driver Held in Student Harassment Case
In a separate operation, Vikas Nagar Police arrested an auto-rickshaw driver accused of molesting a college student and attempting to harm her after she resisted his advances.
According to police, the victim’s father filed a complaint on Saturday alleging harassment, assault and an attempt to cause serious injury. The complaint stated that the accused allegedly misbehaved with the student, assaulted her when she objected and pushed her from his vehicle, resulting in serious injuries that required hospitalization.
Police formed multiple teams to trace the accused. During an operation near Tedhi Pulia in the early hours of Sunday, officers attempted to intercept the suspect.
According to officials, the accused allegedly fired at the police while trying to flee. A bullet struck a government vehicle belonging to Vikas Nagar Police Station. In the retaliatory action, the suspect sustained a gunshot injury to his right leg and was subsequently arrested.
The accused has been identified as Sunny Yadav. Police said further interrogation is underway to gather additional information related to the case.
Departmental Action Against Police Personnel
The intensified anti-crime campaign has also been accompanied by departmental action within the police force. Following recent administrative changes involving senior officers in Vibhuti Khand and Gomti Nagar Extension police stations, authorities have removed Summit Outpost In-charge Gyan Singh and Kathauta Outpost In-charge Mohit Kumar from their posts.
Police officials said the city-wide drive against criminals will continue as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement and improve public safety across Lucknow.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have emphasized that all accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Investigations into the robbery cases and the student harassment incident are ongoing, with police examining additional evidence and possible links to other criminal activities.
The latest operations represent one of the most significant anti-crime actions carried out in Lucknow in recent weeks, highlighting the administration’s focus on curbing organized crime and ensuring public security ahead of upcoming civic and political engagements in the state.
