Lucknow: The annual crime and policing review released on Sunday offers a comprehensive snapshot of law enforcement performance, crime patterns, and administrative efforts across Lucknow during 2025. The report outlines notable gains in several areas while also drawing attention to gaps that continue to concern citizens and observers.
Strong Focus on Cybercrime Control
Cybercrime remained a major priority for the Lucknow Police Commissionerate over the past year. Between January 1 and December 28, 2025, a total of 6,456 cybercrime complaints were registered. Officials claimed that close to 90 per cent of these cases were resolved within the same year, reflecting quicker response systems and better coordination with banks and telecom companies.
As part of anti-fraud measures, nearly 10,000 mobile numbers allegedly linked to cybercriminals were blocked. Police also managed to freeze ₹11.68 crore that had been fraudulently transferred from victims’ bank accounts, preventing further financial losses.
Drop in Violent Crime Cases
The review reports a decline in murder cases compared to previous years, which authorities attribute to improved surveillance, intelligence inputs, and preventive policing. Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Bablu Kumar stated that timely interventions helped contain serious violent incidents.
During 2025, 525 accused individuals connected to murder cases were sent to judicial custody. In cases deemed highly sensitive, action under the National Security Act was taken against three individuals, indicating a strict approach toward threats to public order.
Action Against Organized Crime
According to the report, no incidents of dacoity were recorded in Lucknow during the year. Police also detailed extensive use of the Gangster Act and Goonda Act to curb organized crime and habitual offenders.
Under Operation Conviction, a focused drive to strengthen investigation follow-ups and prosecution, 829 offenders were convicted. Of these, 139 convictions were related to serious crimes against women and girls. One case concluded with a death penalty verdict, highlighting the severity of certain offenses addressed.
Security During High-Profile Events
The police department also highlighted its role in managing security for major events, including visits by the President and Vice President, international jamboree programs, and large sporting events. Officials said careful planning and deployment ensured smooth conduct without major law-and-order disturbances.
Community Outreach Initiatives
Several social and preventive campaigns were part of the year’s policing strategy. Mission Shakti focused on women’s safety, while Nasha Mukti targeted drug abuse prevention. Operation Pehchan was conducted to verify identities, particularly in sensitive and densely populated localities.
Traffic Management and Safety Concerns
Traffic regulation featured prominently in the report, with police citing diversions and one-way systems at congested junctions as steps that improved traffic flow during peak hours. However, claims related to rectification of accident-prone black spots have invited scrutiny, with uneven impact reported across the city.
Concerns were also raised about highway patrolling. An incident on December 22, when a speeding bus moving in the wrong direction on the Agra Expressway service lane killed a motorcyclist, has triggered questions about enforcement consistency on high-speed routes.
Mixed Picture Overall
The annual review paints a balanced but complex picture of policing in Lucknow. While progress in cybercrime resolution, conviction rates, and reduction in certain violent crimes stands out, challenges remain in traffic safety and highway monitoring. The report ultimately serves as both a record of achievements and a reminder of areas needing sustained and effective attention.
