Uttar Pradesh

A Western Disturbance is beginning to impact parts of Uttar Pradesh, especially the border regions, bringing conditions similar to rainfall and snowfall. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued updates on the expected weather for 24 January. Weather Impact Across Uttar PradeshThe Western Disturbance is expected to intensify, affecting central and eastern parts of the state. While strong sunlight in the eastern regions has provided some daytime warmth, westerly winds have caused night temperatures to drop. On Friday morning, several areas in western Uttar Pradesh experienced rainfall-like conditions, accompanied by gusty winds, further reducing temperatures. Lucknow to Feel the EffectThe combination of westerly winds and rain is likely to affect Lucknow. On Thursday, min...

The controversy surrounding Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati at the ongoing Magh Mela in Prayagraj has further intensified, with noted spiritual preacher Swami Aniruddhacharya Maharaj now weighing in and advising the administration to seek forgiveness. The dispute arose on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, when followers of Swami Avimukteshwaranand, who were proceeding towards the Sangam for the holy dip with a wheeled palanquin, were stopped by the authorities. This led to a prolonged standoff lasting nearly three hours, during which heated arguments and physical jostling reportedly took place. Supporters of the Shankaracharya have accused the administration of misbehaviour. Since Mauni Amavasya, Swami Avimukteshwaranand has been sitting outside his camp and has refus...

For the past 25 years, a familiar, gentle and melodious voice has been echoing across the Sangam Nose in Prayagraj, instantly drawing the attention of devotees.“Motorcycle-riding sir, scooter-riding sister, sister in the yellow sari — please do not take your vehicles towards the ghats.” This soothing announcement, reminiscent of All India Radio, has become an inseparable part of the Sangam experience. Yet, for years, visitors have remained curious about the person behind the voice that guides and safeguards millions of pilgrims. The voice belongs to Harishchandra, who stands outside the watchtower police control room at Sangam Nose and has been performing this duty with remarkable dedication since 2001. A Lifelong Duty at the Sangam Harishchandra was first deployed at Sangam No...

Varanasi: Action in the ongoing codeine cough syrup smuggling case in Uttar Pradesh has intensified, with the Sonbhadra police taking significant steps against accused Bhola Prasad Jaiswal. Authorities have seized properties linked to him in Varanasi, as the city police prepare for further action against his son, the absconding mastermind Shubham Jaiswal. A team from Sonbhadra, led by CO City Randhir Mishra, executed court orders to seal properties registered under Bhola Jaiswal and his family. The operation covered areas under Sigra, Mahmoorganj, and Chetganj police stations. Bhola Jaiswal, who was arrested at Kolkata airport, is currently in jail. ₹28.5 Lakh Property SealedThe Sonbhadra police, acting under Section 107 of the BNS code and following judicial orders, sealed propertie...

Prayagraj: During the ongoing Magh Mela in Prayagraj, which coincides with the auspicious Basant Panchami bathing festival at Triveni Sangam, a significant number of devotees have gathered to participate in the rituals. Amidst this, tensions surrounding Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati continue to simmer. In this context, Jagatguru Mahamandaleshwar Santosh Das, popularly known as Satua Baba, made a strong statement addressing those who spread unrest during the inauguration of a four-month-long dhuni (sacred fire) ritual by sadhus. Satua Baba emphasized that individuals should reflect on whether their actions serve the nation or cause harm. Without directly naming Swami Avimukteshwaranand, Satua Baba stated in a media interaction, “If we are true followers of Lord Sha...

Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: In a major crackdown against organized crime, Sambhal police have seized properties worth several crores from two gangster brothers involved in a high-profile ₹100 crore insurance fraud case. The accused, Sachin Sharma and Gaurav Sharma, allegedly amassed vast wealth through fake insurance policies. Properties Seized in Greater NoidaThe police confiscated three houses belonging to the brothers in Greater Noida, with an estimated value of ₹5.22 crore, on behalf of the state government. Earlier, two of their houses, along with a tractor agency and a plot, had already been attached. Properties of gang leader Omkareshwar Mishra in Varanasi were also previously seized. Criminal BackgroundThe Sharma brothers hail from Babarala town in Sambhal district and were activ...

Badaun, January 23, 2026: In Faizganj Behta area of Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, an attempt to carry out an unauthorized ‘Chadar’ procession by members of the local Muslim community in a Hindu-dominated neighborhood led to tension on Thursday evening. Police intervened promptly, registering an FIR against nine individuals, including the local municipal chairman. According to police reports, the procession began around 7:30 pm when local and some outsiders from the Muslim community attempted to enter the area carrying the ceremonial cloth. Residents of the Hindu community raised objections, arguing that no new tradition should be imposed and that holding a procession without prior permission was legally improper. A verbal confrontation ensued between the two groups. Acting on information, p...

Ayodhya, January 23, 2026: Yoga guru Baba Ramdev visited Ayodhya on Friday, where he participated in a yoga camp at a local ashram and addressed devotees on spirituality, Sanatan values, and national unity. Emphasizing the religious significance of Ayodhya, Ramdev described it as a sacred pilgrimage site and highlighted the grandeur of the newly constructed Ram Temple. Speaking to the media, Baba Ramdev said Ayodhya holds supreme importance in India’s spiritual heritage and alleged that foreign invaders had historically caused destruction in the region. He said the Ram Temple now stands as a symbol of cultural revival, drawing millions of devotees from India and abroad for the darshan of Ram Lalla. Ramdev said he arrived in Ayodhya after taking a holy dip in Prayagraj and seeking ble...

Aligarh, January 23, 2026: The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) murder case, which occurred on April 8, 2007, has reached a verdict after 19 years. A fast-track court in Aligarh sentenced three former students to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹30,000 each. The case dates back to the AMU student union elections, when tensions between rival student groups escalated. On the night of April 8, 2007, Nabil Ahmed, a second-year B.Com student from Habib Hall, was at a tea stall with fellow students Saabit Ali, Muhammad Shahnawaz Khan, and Nizamuddin. Two armed men on motorcycles arrived and began firing, striking Saabit Ali near his left side. He was rushed to J.N. Medical College but was declared dead upon arrival. Victim Background and AccusedThe deceased, Saabit Ali, hailed from ...

In a major crackdown, the Kanpur Crime Branch has exposed a large-scale hawala and betting racket, seizing 61.84 kilograms of silver and ₹2 crore in cash during a late-night raid. Five accused, including the house owner, have been arrested in connection with the case. According to police officials, the raid was conducted on Thursday night at a house located in the Dhankutti area of Kanpur. During the search, the Crime Branch recovered a huge quantity of silver, cash amounting to ₹2 crore, and two currency notes from Nepal. The counting of cash continued late into the night using a currency-counting machine. Betting and Hawala Operations Uncovered Investigations revealed that the accused were involved in hawala transactions as well as illegal betting through cricket betting applica...