Top headlines making news at this hour

Lucknow: In today’s headlines, a wide range of stories from across Uttar Pradesh and neighboring regions highlight key developments in law enforcement, politics, business, and local issues. Lucknow is buzzing with activity, from the DGP’s latest directives on security for the upcoming Mahakumbh to changes in the Tejas Express refund policy. The city is also grappling with a rise in cybercrime, with a retired railway officer falling victim to a digital scam. Meanwhile, land encroachment issues in Sarojininagar are raising concerns, as authorities take steps to address illegal constructions linked to political figures. Elsewhere, the weather is playing a major role in shaping daily life, with forecasts predicting significant temperature shifts. As the state sees a combination of socio-political developments, criminal incidents, and infrastructure challenges, Uttar Pradesh remains in the spotlight for both its progress and its ongoing struggles.

• Lucknow – DGP’s Meeting with Officers: DGP Prashant Kumar held a video conference with officers regarding the Mahakumbh preparations. He expressed displeasure over the delay in police personnel reporting for mela duties and issued immediate orders for their deployment. He also instructed enhanced security checks along the Nepal border and in the districts bordering Prayagraj.
• Lucknow – Tejas Express Refund Policy Changes: IRCTC has canceled the refund policy for delayed Tejas Express trains. Previously, passengers could receive compensation for delays of over an hour, but this has now been replaced with an insurance policy offering increased coverage, including a ₹10 lakh payout in case of death.
• Lucknow – Retired Railway Officer Scammed: A retired railway officer was digitally arrested and defrauded of ₹12 lakh. The case was reported by Kamal Kumar Saxena, a resident of Sushant Golf City, Lucknow, who filed a complaint with the cyber police.
• Lucknow – Illegal Land Encroachment in Sarojininagar: In Harihar Pur, close associates of Gayatri Prajapati have illegally occupied government land and started illegal plotting. The Divisional Commissioner Roshan Jacob has instructed the registration of a case against land mafias and illegal plotters.
• Lucknow – Weather Forecast: A western disturbance has activated potential for rain in Lucknow. Meteorologists predict a 2-4°C drop in temperature, with an increase in nighttime temperatures by 2-4°C.
• Lucknow – Mayawati’s Comments on Manmohan Singh’s Funeral: BSP President Mayawati suggested that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s last rites should take place according to his family’s wishes, and a memorial should be built in his honor.
• Lucknow – Improvement in Business Policies: The business landscape in Uttar Pradesh has improved, with better infrastructure and policies in place. The state acquired 1700 hectares of land for the defense sector and enhanced expressway development, contributing to a growth in development speed.
• Badaun – Suspected Suicide by Young Woman: A woman reportedly committed suicide in suspicious circumstances, leaving a note blaming six people for her death. Her father filed a report against these individuals, including accusations related to a broken marriage proposal.
• Mathura – Police Shootout with Criminals: A police encounter in Mathura resulted in the injury of a wanted criminal, Furqan, who was captured after being shot in the leg. Police recovered a weapon and cartridges from him.
• Meerut – Strike by Waste Collection Company: BVG, the waste collection company in Meerut, continues its strike. The municipal corporation has taken over waste collection, canceled BVG’s contracts, and appointed new officers to ensure cleanliness.
• Shamli – Farmer Found Dead After Attack: A farmer found injured on the roadside in Datherda village succumbed to his injuries. His family has accused someone of foul play, demanding a thorough investigation.
• Agra – CCTV Captures Merchant’s Robbery: A merchant in Agra was robbed in broad daylight. The robbery was captured on CCTV, and one of the four robbers was caught, leading to the arrest of a second accomplice.
• Mirzapur – No Budget for Kumbh Mela Preparations: Despite preparations, Mirzapur’s administration has not received the expected budget for Kumbh Mela. The district submitted a proposal for ₹10 crore for necessary preparations, including medical camps and infrastructure development.
• Deoria – Cracks in Building Foundations: The construction of a multi-story parking structure in Deoria caused cracks in nearby buildings. Residents have filed complaints, and the project has been investigated.
• Hapur – Fraud by Digital Thieves: Two fraudsters were caught after digitally tricking a person into paying ₹2.90 lakh under false pretenses. The police have filed a case against them.
• Sambhal – Threats to MP’s Family: A caretaker at MP Ziaur Rehman Birk’s residence has accused an unknown person of threatening to kill him and the MP’s family. Police have initiated an investigation.
• Meerut – Gangster Arrested: Dhruv Anand, a gangster from Yamunanagar, was arrested in Meerut for defrauding traders by purchasing goods worth crores and refusing to make payments. He is part of a gang involved in several criminal cases.
• Kannauj – Bridge Cracks Found: The bridge connecting Kannauj to Hardoi has developed cracks, leading to a restriction on heavy vehicles. The district administration has informed NHAI for necessary repairs.
• Hamirpur – Farmer Dies After Falling Ill in Field: A farmer collapsed while irrigating his field and died during transportation to the hospital. His family has been left devastated.
• Sravasti – Uncle’s Crime: A five-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by her uncle, Gokul Paswan, who has been arrested. The child was referred to Lucknow in critical condition.
• Dehradun – Congress Announces Candidates for Municipal Elections: The Congress party in Uttarakhand has announced its candidates for the upcoming municipal elections, including names for seats in Srinagar, Haldwani, and Khatima.