A unique theft at the Sheetla Mata Temple in the Cantonment area was caught on CCTV, showing a young man praying to the deity before stealing a donation box. The footage shows the suspect hesitating, wiping sweat, and even walking backward to avoid turning his back to the idol before fleeing with the box. Police are currently analyzing the video to identify the suspect.

The Uttar Pradesh administration has accelerated its investigation into the multi-crore Lucknow Monument Scam, which dates back to 2007–2011. Two retired senior officials of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) are now facing direct action for their alleged roles in questionable technical approvals and tender finalizations. Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant has directed that the inquiry be completed urgently.

An FIR has been lodged following the abduction and assault of a minor boy in Lucknow’s Talkatora area. A video surfaced showing the boy being forced to strip at gunpoint inside a car while being abused and threatened by the accused. Police are currently investigating the authenticity of the video and searching for those responsible.

Lucknow Police have announced a cash reward of ₹25,000 for information leading to the arrest of a junior resident doctor at King George’s Medical University (KGMU). The doctor faces multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act for allegedly exploiting and pressuring a colleague to convert her religion. Despite the issuance of a non-bailable warrant and searches across multiple states, the suspect remains at large.

A 73-year-old retired state finance department officer was duped of nearly ₹90 lakh by cybercriminals who held him under psychological captivity for 25 days. Posing as officials from the Mumbai cybercrime cell, the fraudsters falsely accused him of money laundering and used forged warrants shared via WhatsApp to coerce him into transferring his savings. The incident came to light on January 1, 2026, after the victim’s son intervened.