UP: Bhim Army activists protest over Lord Hanuman photo in Magistrates office

LUCKNOW: Bhim Army activists staged a massive protest in Bareilly on Thursday. Their anger was triggered by the presence of a picture of Lord Hanuman at the City Magistrates office instead of a photograph of Dr BR Ambedkar. The protestors asserted that the absence of Dr Ambedkars image amounted to an insult to the 'Constitution Maker' and a violation of protocol. Activists had visited the Collectorate to seek permission for an upcoming event led by MP Chandrashekhar of the Azad Samaj Party (ASP) on August 17. Instead of Dr Ambedkars photo, they found Lord Hanumans displayed prominently. Moreover, they were not granted the permission for the event. This prompted ASP members to initiate an immediate confrontation with City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri. The protestors alleged that the magistrate went on to declare that he believed in Lord Hanuman and not in Ambedkara statement they found deeply offensive. They claimed the magistrate, from a Brahmin background, used his office as a private space to display his beliefs while ignoring constitutional norms. According to Sunil Gautam, state general secretary of the Azad Samaj Party, government offices are legally required to display images of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Ambedkar. He accused Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of appointing officials who lacked respect for the constitutional figures. The Bhim Armys intellectual conference, scheduled for August 17, had its permission abruptly withdrawn. Activists decried this as a calculated move to derail their event. Attempts to get comments from the magistrate went in vain.

UP government sounds bird flu alert, CM orders extra vigil in zoos, other animal shelters

LUCKNOW: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday ordered enhanced security across all zoos, bird sanctuaries, national parks, wetlands, and cow shelters in Uttar Pradesh amid the potential danger of bird flu in the state. The CM ordered regular sanitisation of zoo premises, emphasising immediate implementation of measures as per central and state guidelines, according to an official statement. The sanitisation measures also include blow-torching, if required, along with mandatory health checks for all animals and birds. He said food should be given only after thorough diet inspections of the animals, and staff duties in enclosures must be assigned based on risk levels to ensure full safety compliance. Bird flu virus mutation threat to humans: IISc Adityanath directed that zoo staff be trained on detecting and stopping the spread of bird flu, scientifically known as avian influenza, and be equipped with PPE kits and safety gear. He also called for monitoring of all poultry farms in UP as per standards, with tight control over the movement of poultry products. Furthermore, the Health Department has been directed to study the potential impact of the bird flu on humans and submit a report on stopping the spread of the infection among the general public. Adityanath directed constant coordination with the Central Zoo Authority, National Centre for Disease Control, the health ministry, the Fisheries and Dairy Department and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (Bareilly), ensuring the timely implementation of their recommendations.

14-year-old girl gang-raped by two teenagers in UP's Bareilly; neighbour films assault, posts online

A 14-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped in Bareilly. The crime occurred on August 3. A neighbor filmed the assault and shared it online. The father accused the police of initially filing a lenient charge. The SSP intervened after a complaint. Two teenagers are in custody. An investigation is underway. Police deny negligence. The girl's statement was recorded.

Drone rumours trigger panic in UP village, 45-year-old Bhurey Singh serves as 'sky sentry'

LUCKNOW: In Puranpur, a rural tehsil in Pilibhit district, 45-year-old Bhurey Singh now stands on nightly vigil with a flashlight strapped to his bicycle and a thick wooden stick in hand. Hired two weeks ago by local residents, he serves as the village's sky sentry. They say thieves are using drones to plan robberies, Bhurey told PTI. Whether it's true or not, we can't take any chances. His nightly patrol reflects a wave of fear spreading across more than 300 villages in at least a dozen districts of western Uttar Pradesh -- from the forest edges of Pilibhit to the urban sprawl of Ghaziabad. Since mid-July, cries of Drone chor! have echoed through village lanes at night, replacing the usual silence of the countryside. Shadows dart across rooftops, wooden lathis are clutched tightly, and families stay awake long past midnight in fear of unseen threats from above. Villagers speak in hushed tones of mysterious drones flying after dark, allegedly scouting rooftops and identifying weak entry points. In many communities, drones have become ghosts in the sky. Sometimes real. Often imagined. Always feared. As the panic grew, so did state attention. Last week, the matter was reviewed in a high-level law and order meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He issued a stern warning against those spreading rumours or flying drones without authorisation. Those creating fear using drones -- or spreading misinformation -- will be charged under the Gangster Act, the chief minister directed. Provisions under the NSA may also be invoked if necessary, he said. To regulate drone usage, police have been instructed to maintain a dedicated drone register. DIG Kalanidhi Naithani of Meerut Range directed all police stations in his jurisdiction to list drone owners and take immediate action against individuals operating drones after dark. He cautioned citizens against using drones just for fun, warning of strict legal consequences for violations. Despite these measures, fear persists on the ground. Punjab launches anti-drone systems to tackle drugs & weapons smuggling from Pakistan According to police, the roots of this hysteria lie in Amroha, where bizarre rumours began circulating in early June about an underwear-clad, oil-smeared gang of thieves using drones to survey homes before burglaries. Though the story appeared implausible, it spread rapidly. Soon, villages in neighbouring districts such as Moradabad, Rampur, Sambhal, Meerut, and Bijnor began reporting similar drone sightings. Many videos, some doctored or outdated, went viral on social media. Every flickering light or low-flying object sparked panic. On WhatsApp, paranoia quickly outpaced fact. Officials attribute the growing alarm to low digital literacy, widespread misinformation, and deep-seated anxieties around unfamiliar technologies. What began as whispers has now escalated into violence. In Modinagar, Ghaziabad, a man visiting his girlfriend from Hapur was mistaken for a drone operator and beaten by a mob earlier this month. He had no drone, only the misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In Bareilly, a toy drone found on the roof of a government school caused alarm. Four brothers returning from Delhi were intercepted and assaulted by locals who assumed they were part of a drone theft gang. Police later confirmed the drone was a broken plastic toy incapable of flight. In Aurangabad, Bulandshahr, a blinking light in the sky triggered chaos. A man walking nearby -- allegedly drunk and unaware -- caught, stripped, and beaten. Drone vigil ensures safety at Bapatla beaches He had no connection to any drone activity. Police helplines in several districts have received hundreds of drone-related complaints in recent weeks. However, senior officers maintain that no thefts have been conclusively linked to drone surveillance. Drone sightings have been reported for over a month now, DIG Naithani told PTI. But not a single theft case has been proven to involve drones. This hysteria is driven entirely by rumours and fear. Over 40 people have been arrested in districts such as Meerut, Amroha, and Sambhal for inciting panic or spreading false information. Police in several areas have launched awareness drives, directing drone owners to register their devices or face fines. WhatsApp helplines have been issued to counter hoaxes. In Amroha, three YouTubers filming drone footage were detained for flying without police permission. They were released after verification, but the incident added to local suspicion. In Meerut, two content creators were held for allegedly spreading fake drone-related videos. Police in the affected districts have appealed to residents to approach authorities if they spot a drone, instead of spreading rumours on social media. Superintendent of Police (Rampur) Vidya Sagar Mishra told PTI, We have held meetings with influential community members at the village level and sought their support to counter the rumours. The officer said drone sightings were largely hearsay and had no proven links to any organised gang. Still, in many homes, fear continues to shape daily life. One or two people in every household now stay awake through the night, looking at the sky, said Ramapati Verma of Fatehganj in Bareilly. We can't let our guard down. What if the thieves come? What if they hurt someone? she asked.

Uttarakhand STF busts SchoolPad hacking scam, three youths arrested for defrauding parents

DEHRADUN: In a significant breakthrough, the Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF)s Cyber Crime team has arrested three youths from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly hacking the SchoolPad digital platform of a school and defrauding parents and students. The arrested individuals have been identified as 19-year-old Mohammad Rizwan of Mullapur village, Sudama Diwakar of Akashpuram, and Mohammad Faraz of Bankhana. Authorities recovered four mobile phones used in the crime, two bank passbooks, and three SIM cards from their possession. According to STF officials, the cybercriminals carried out the fraud by creating a sophisticated fake application and sending deceptive messages. The complaint was lodged by the DIS City Campus in July 2023 after it was discovered that the official SchoolPad app had been compromised. Students and parents began receiving fraudulent messages demanding a fee of Rs 4,990 for an AI-enabled Robotics Lab. The messages appeared so authentic that many parents transferred money to the provided bank accounts. Investigations revealed that the accused had meticulously replicated the SchoolPad app and technically breached the original platform to steal data of students from all three DIS branches City Campus, Riverside, and Mohali. Using this stolen data, they sent official-looking fake messages to parents, urging them to pay the bogus fees. The cyber team conducted a rigorous technical investigation, analysing platform data, bank accounts, mobile numbers, WhatsApp messages, and information from related companies. This analysis revealed transactions worth crores of rupees in the fraudulent bank accounts linked to the scam, indicating a wider network of financial crime. Further checks showed that Mohammad Rizwan already faces serious charges under the IT Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code. Sudama Diwakar also has a prior case from 2023 related to theft and receiving stolen property. The swift investigation, led by STF Senior Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh, was crucial in identifying and arresting the culprits. Cautioning the public, SSP Navneet Singh said, People should not fall for unknown links, suspicious websites, or investment schemes. Always verify the authenticity of any digital communication, especially those asking for money or personal details.

Attempts were made to defame Kanwar Yatra but foiled by society's awareness, alert administration: Yogi Adityanath

Yogi Adityanath says efforts to discredit Kanwar Yatra failed due to public awareness and administrative action. He inaugurated development projects in Bareilly. Adityanath claims Bareilly is now known for the Nath Corridor and spiritual tourism, not riots. He says his government provides jobs transparently. Uttar Pradesh is now free from mafia. The state focuses on development and heritage.

Bareilly: Gauze Left Inside Pregnant Woman After Surgery, Uterus Removed

CMO orders inquiry after woman suffers infection, loses uterus following alleged medical negligence during childbirth.

UP Woman Plots Husband's Murder, Her Brothers Hire Goons. Then A Twist

In a life-saving twist, a man was rescued from a jungle after an alleged murder attempt by his in-laws in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly.

Woman Reverses SUV, Crashes Through Glass Door Into Bareilly Hotel Reception | Video

While reversing the white SUV, the woman reportedly pressed the accelerator by mistake instead of the brake

Close to 3500 of over 60,000 new recruits in UP police drop out of training

LUCKNOW: After going through the rigours of the recruitment during the biggest ever recruitment drive to appoint 60,244 constables in UP Police, over 3568 candidates selected have left the job at the onset. After the selection process for 60,244 posts, comprising 48195 for men and 12049 for women, under -- Recruitment 2023 -- was completed, 3568 candidates did not even join the job. Over 100 candidates joined the department but resigned after participating in the initial sessions of training. The recruitment process commenced in December 2023 with a plan to induct 20 per cent women, leading to 12049 female candidates in the police force. Initially, the examination for the recruitment was held in February 2024, but had to be cancelled due to the paper leak. The process restarted in August 2024, and the exam was conducted. Approximately 50 lakh candidates applied for this exam. However, at the time of examination in August 2024, about 30 per cent of the aspirants did not appear in the exam. The final result of the exam was declared on March 13, 2025. On June 15, in the presence of Amit Shah, appointment letters were distributed to the selected candidates at a grand event in state capital, Lucknow. From June 21, a month-long JTC (joining Training Course) of the selected candidates started and it culminated in their main training beginning at the Recruitment Training Centres (RTC) from July 21. Finally, at the time of joining, instead of 48,195, only 45,055 men joined, and instead of 12,049 women, only 11,621 female candidates joined the training. Out of 60,244, only 56,676 candidates joined. The remaining 3568 candidates distanced themselves from the police job. Former DGP and DG Training Sukhkan Singh feels that when the youngsters are jobless, not joining even after being selected is beyond understanding. There could be several reasons for this. When such candidates do not join, the positions that remain vacant are re-advertised. The recruitment process for those positions is started afresh. According to an officer associated with the training claimed that a few candidates had resigned after joining the training. The number of such candidates is reported to be more than 100. A few of them were selected for the post of Village Development Officer. Meanwhile, there were a few people who could not bear the rigors of the training. A candidate from Deoria district in eastern UP quit simply because he could not wake up at 5 am in the morning. He was appointed in the Ghazipur district. Initially, his father tried to convince him, but when it didn't work, the candidate went to the SP office and submitted his resignation. Similarly, trainee constable Tarun Kumar committed suicide by jumping from a three-storey barrack in Firozabad Police Line on July 23, 2025. In Bulandshahr Police Line on July 26, 2025, trainee constable Bhupendra attempted suicide by consuming a poisonous substance. He was referred to a higher centre in critical condition. A resident of Hathras, Bhupendra had returned from home just a day before. Meanwhile, over 9,000 constables, comprising 5,914 men and 3,533 women are receiving training across 10 training institutes (ATC, PTC, and PTS). Additionally, 4,302 candidates, comprising 2,800 men and 1,502 women are receiving training across all commissionerates. Meanwhile, in the Agra zone, there are 3,250 men, in Bareilly zone, there are 2,800 men and 1,900 women, in Gorakhpur, there are 3,348 men and 1,005 women, and in Kanpur zone there are 1,986 men and 1,104 women. Similarly, in Lucknow zone, there are 3,380 men and 600 women, in Meerut zone, there are 3,048 men, in Prayagraj 3,051 men, and in Varanasi, 3,355 men and 605 women are undergoing training. Meanwhile, in the PAC battalion, 12,407 men and 1,533 women are undergoing training. This includes training for 284 men and 161 women who are dependents of deceased personnel.

Haridwar stampede: Four of six killed in Mansa Devi temple tragedy from Uttar Pradesh

Two have been identified as Aarush (12) of Bareilly and Vicky (18) from Rampur. Two others, whose age has not been confirmed yet, included Vakil of Barabanki and Shanti from Budaun

Kanwariya dies after treatment in UP's Bijnor, fellow pilgrims accuse doctor

BIJNOR: A group of kanwariyas created a ruckus after one of their companions allegedly died after getting treated by a local doctor here, officials said on Friday. The incident occurred on Thursday in Roshanpur village around 7.30 am, when Rampal (40), who was part of a pilgrim group from Rani Ganj in Bareilly, began feeling unwell. He was rushed to the hospital and was allegedly treated by Dr Rishipal; however, his condition deteriorated and he died shortly after, ASP Vinay Singh said. After Rampal's death, the kanwariyas became agitated and demanded action against the doctor. The pilgrims were pacified later following police intervention. Based on a complaint by Rampal's brother, Satpal, a case was registered against the doctor and the body was sent for postmortem to ascertain the cause of death, the ASP mentioned. The group of kanwariyas has since resumed their journey to Haridwar to collect Ganga water, he added. Three kanwariyas held for assaulting CRPF jawan at Mirzapur railway station after ticket dispute

Man booked for forcibly converting Hindu woman to Islam

About nine months ago, the man, whose real name she later discovered was Bakhtawar, took her to Mandanpur Shumali village under the Baheri police station area in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly.

Video: UP home guard dragged on car for 5 km in Bareilly, driver arrested

Bareilly: A 37-year-old home guard on traffic management duty was dragged on a car for nearly 5 kilometres in Bareilly on Saturday night, a police official said on Sunday. The incident occurred around 11.45 pm when the home guard climbed onto the cars bonnet after the driver refused to stop while being directed away from Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Schools Shut In These Districts Amid Kanwar Yatra Rush

In Uttar Pradesh, the districts of Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Bareilly, and Badaun have suspended academic activities across schools between July 16 and 23.

One Nation, Two Laws: Digvijaya Singhs social media post kicks up political row

BHOPAL: Rajya Sabha member and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh's Facebook post sparked a political row on Wednesday. Captioned Ek Desh Do Kanoon (One Nation, Two Laws), the post by the septuagenarian politician showed two pictures one where the Kanwar Yatra is blocking the road and the other where a cop is seen kicking men offering namaz on the road. The post pictorially questioned two sets of actions by authorities on the religious practices of different communities. The post triggered angry reactions from the ruling BJP. Slamming the senior Congress leader over the post, the MP cabinet minister, Vishwas Sarang, termed Singh as Maulana Digvijaya Singh. He only opposes Sanatan Dharma. He has not even spared the holy Kanwar Yatra. What else can be expected from a man (Singh) who has glorified anti-India Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, but questioned every operation of the Indian defence forces and never missed any opportunity to defame the Sanatan Dharma and Hindu sadhus. But mocking our festivals and holy Yatras through such social media posts will no longer be tolerated, he (Singh) needs to apologise, Sarang said. Former MP Congress MLA and ex-minister of the central Indian state, PC Sharma (who is considered close to the ex-CM), defended Singh. His post puts forward a simple point about the Constitution being equal for all. Issues during public events, whether it's Kanwar Yatra or namaz, should be resolved through dialogue, not by harassing citizens or letting scrap dealers damage vehicles in front of passive police, Sharma said. The post came three days after a case was registered against an Inter College teacher in Yogi Adityanath-ruled Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly district for reciting a poem, parts of which reportedly referred to the ongoing Kanwar Yatras. The FIR was registered against Bareillys MGM Inter College teacher Rajneesh Gangwar on July 13, based on a complaint by a right-wing Hindu outfit, Kanwar Seva Samiti.

UP schools to be shutdown from 16 to 23 July: What parents need to know

UP School Holiday: Schools in several Uttar Pradesh districts including Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Varanasi, Bareilly and Badaun will close temporarily due to the Kanwar Yatra and its impact on traffic and safety. In Haryanas Hisar district, over 10,000 private schools will remain shut for a day in protest over a school principals murder. Local administrations say the closures are needed to protect students and ensure public order as thousands of Kanwariyas move through major pilgrimage routes this Shravan month.

Death of Bihar student in UP Bareilly madrasa hostel room sparks probe into possible suicide

BAREILLY: A 22-year-old madrasa student from Bihar was allegedly found dead by suicide inside his hostel room in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly on Tuesday, prompting police to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. The deceased, identified as Mohammad Owais, hailed from Bihar and was pursuing an Aalimiyat course at the Centre of Islamic Studies Jamit-ur-Raza madrasa in the CB Ganj area, officials said. Owais had been staying in Room 87 of the hostel. When he did not emerge from his room for an extended period, his fellow students, noticing that the door was locked from the inside, forced it open. Inside, they allegedly found him lying unresponsive, according to police. CB Ganj Station House Officer (SHO) Ashutosh said a police team, along with the Circle Officer (CO), reached the spot after being informed of the incident. The forensic team conducted a detailed inspection of the scene, collecting fingerprints and other vital evidence. The body has been sent for post-mortem, he said. Police officials said an investigation is ongoing, and further action will be taken once the post-mortem report is received. Owais' family members in Bihar have been informed, and they are on their way to Bareilly, officials added. The formal process of handing over the body and further questioning will begin once they arrive. Police are also questioning fellow students and madrasa staff to determine whether Owais had been under any stress in recent days. However, no clear motive or reason for the alleged suicide has emerged so far. According to police, initial findings suggest it appears to be a case of death by suicide, but the exact cause will be confirmed only after the post-mortem. Investigators are also exploring the possibility of mental stress or family-related issues, they said. Following the incident, fear and anxiety were visible among the students of the madrasa, and faculty members appeared deeply saddened. A teacher said, Owais was a good student who mostly kept to himself. Police are examining all possible angles, including searching his room and mobile phone for clues.

'Don't Carry Kanwar': UP School Teacher's Poem Draws Ire Of Hindu Outfits, FIR Filed

Following the complaints, Bareilly police filed an FIR against the teacher under sections related to promoting enmity and disturbing communal harmony.

UP School Teacher's Song Referring To Kanwar Yatra Lands Him In Trouble

A schoolteacher in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district has landed in trouble over a song that purportedly referred to the Kanwar Yatra, an annual procession undertaken by Shiva devotees.

Police case against UP school teacher over song referencing Kanwar Yatra

BAREILLY: A school teacher in Bareilly has been booked by police after a video surfaced online showing him singing a song that included references to the Kanwar Yatra, officials confirmed. The incident involves Rajneesh Gangwar, a teacher at MGM Inter College, Bareilly. In the purported video, he is seen singing in front of students, encouraging them to prioritise education and humanity over religious rituals. Kanwar leke mat jana, tum gyan ka deep jalana, manavta ke seva karke tum sachche manav ban jaana, he sang, which translates to, Dont bring kanwars, go light the lamp of knowledge, serve humanity and become a true human. Following this, a local corporator, BJP leaders, and members of the Mahakal Seva Samiti approached the police, demanding action against the teacher. Subsequently, an FIR was lodged on Monday night under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to making statements containing false information, rumours, or alarming news. Circle Officer of Baheri, Arun Kumar Singh, confirmed the registration of the case and stated that an investigation is underway. The Kanwar Yatra, a significant annual pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Shiva, is being held this year from 11 to 23 July during the holy month of Sawan. Bareillys District Inspector of Schools, Dr Ajit Kumar Singh, stated that the teachers intention did not appear to be malicious and suggested that the video, which is not recent, was circulated deliberately during Sawan to provoke controversy. An inquiry was conducted, and a clarification was taken from the teacher. It appears someone shared the old video now to stir sentiment, he said.

Case against UP teacher for song over Kanwar Yatra

Police in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, have booked a school teacher after a video surfaced online of him singing a song that references the Kanwar Yatra. The teacher is accused of making statements containing false information and alarming news.

COVID-19 exposed harm of consumption-driven culture to humans, animals, environment: President Murmu

LUCKNOW: Emphasising that the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed the harmful impact of a consumption-driven culture on humans, animals, and the environment, President Droupadi Murmu stressed the need to organize Animal Health Melas to promote grassroots-level animal care and suggested holding veterinary camps in villages. While addressing the 11th Convocation of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly on Monday, the President expressed concern over the decreasing visibility of domestic animals in rural areas and emphasised the need to protect and promote livestock wealth as a national responsibility. She said such activities could play a vital role in strengthening public health. These animals have historically supported agriculture. While we have embraced technology, essential soil partners like earthworms are vanishing, leading to barren lands. Restoring soil fertility requires collective efforts from farmers, scientists, veterinarians, and citizens, she said. The President urged the graduating veterinary doctors to let compassion and empathy guide their work as doctors and researchers, especially in their service to voiceless animals. During the ceremony, the President conferred degrees and medals to meritorious students. Reflecting on the deep bond between humans and animals, she said the relationship was much like that of a family. While we now live in a modern, tech-driven world, in earlier times, animals were our tools and companions. Farmers could not progress without them. Animals were once considered our wealth, life without them was unimaginable, she said, adding that the Indian ethos perceived the presence of the divine in all living beings. She stated that IVRI, established in 1889, has achieved numerous milestones in its 135-year journey and lauded the research contributions of scientists, along with the patents, designs, and copyrights held by the institute. The President emphasised that the adage Prevention is better than cure applies equally to animal health. Vaccination, she said, plays a vital role in disease prevention, and it is a matter of pride that IVRI has developed several vaccines under the National Animal Disease Control Programme. Expressing concern over the declining vulture populations, she said it was partly due to chemicals used in veterinary treatments. Banning such drugs is a commendable step toward vulture conservation, and the scientific community should be appreciated for this effort, she said. Stressing the significance of biodiversity conservation for ecological balance, the President said institutions like IVRI should lead by example in enhancing biodiversity. She also emphasized the growing importance of the One Health concept, which considers the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment as interconnected. She urged everyone to uphold this principle, deeply rooted in Indias traditions, and to actively work towards animal welfare. As a premier veterinary institute, IVRI can play a crucial role in the control and prevention of genetic diseases. She urged that the intellectual capacity granted to humans by the divine be used for the welfare of all living beings. The President noted that technology had the potential to revolutionize veterinary medicine and care, just as it had transformed other sectors. She said veterinary healthcare across the country can be strengthened through technologies like genome editing, embryo transfer, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics. Institutions like IVRI, she added, should use cutting-edge technologies to develop affordable and indigenous solutions for diagnosing animal diseases and improving nutrition. She also urged the exploration of alternatives to harmful drugs that adversely affect not only animals but also humans and the environment. Prominent among those present on the occasion were Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Animals are jeevan dhan, term pashu inappropriate: Murmu at UP veterinary institute event

Bareilly, Jun 30: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said she feels that using the word pashu for animals was inappropriate and referred to them as jeevan dhan or wealth of life. Speaking at the 11th convocation ceremony of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Murmu said life without animals cannot be imagined. Truly speaking, animals and human beings share a relationship. Today, we have technology, but in the past, they (animals) were our saadhan (for transportation) and bal (force) for [] The post Animals are jeevan dhan, term pashu inappropriate: Murmu at UP veterinary institute event appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Animals are 'jeevan dhan', term 'pashu' inappropriate: Murmu at UP veterinary institute event

President Droupadi Murmu, during the IVRI convocation in Bareilly, advocated for a shift in terminology, suggesting 'jeevan dhan' (wealth of life) instead of 'pashu' for animals, emphasizing their integral role in human existence and Indian culture. She highlighted the importance of animal vaccination for disease prevention. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel welcomed Murmu to Bareilly.

Animals are jeevan dhan, calling them pashu inappropriate, says President Droupadi Murmu

The President was speaking at the 11th convocation ceremony of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly.

President Murmu & UP CM Yogi Adityanath deliver remarks at convocation ceremony of IVRI in Bareilly

President Murmu On Two-Day Visit Of UP From Monday

The President will grace the 11th convocation ceremony of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute at Bareilly on Monday

Vandals attack Ambedkar statue in Uttar Pradesh, five arrested

The Uttar Pradesh police arrested five people for allegedly vandalising a statue of BR Ambedkar in Bareilly in the wee hours of Thursday, June 26. The incident occurred in Gangapur village. CCTV captured the vandalism, showing the miscreants removing a garland from the statue and attacking it with sticks. The footage went viral, prompting the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Rains bring respite from heat in parts of UP; monsoon expected to advance further: IMD

Pre-monsoon rains have brought significant relief from the intense heatwave in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the western region, with Bareilly receiving the highest rainfall at 149.4 mm. The change is attributed to western disturbances and easterly winds.

Pakistan-born woman booked in UP for holding Indian documents without citizenship

Bareilly: A 64-year-old Pakistan-born woman claiming to have lived in India for over six decades has been booked in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly under a drive to identify undocumented foreign nationals, police said on Friday. Officials said the woman was found in possession of Indian documents such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID and ration card Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Real-Life Gangs Of Wasseypur: 'Mental', Friends Seen In 'Obscene Acts With Women'. Kill Man For...

Bareilly Crime: 'Mental' and his accomplices killed the man who objected to their 'obscene behaviour' with two women.

This woman owns Rs 100 crore in illegal properties, Mercedes, BMW, she belongs to..., her profession is...

Bareilly inspector Nargis Khan is under investigation for owning over Rs 100 crore worth of illegal properties across several cities.

Train Derailment Bid Foiled Near Bareilly, Emergency Brake Averts Major Accident

The accident was foiled after the loco pilot noticed irregularities on the track and immediately applied the emergency brake, bringing the train to a stop.

Train derailment attempt foiled near UP's Bareilly, emergency brake averts major accident

BAREILLY: An alleged attempt to derail the Tanakpur-Bareilly passenger train near Dohna station in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly was foiled due to the alertness of the train's loco pilot, officials said on Monday. The train was safely halted and no injuries were reported. According to officials, unknown miscreants stuffed stones into the railway switch (track scissors) and placed large iron angles on the track near Dohna with the apparent intent to destabilise the train and cause a derailment. The incident occurred at around 11:58 pm on Sunday when train number 05307, which departs Tanakpur at 9:30 pm and is scheduled to arrive at Bareilly Junction at 12:55 am, was passing through the area, they said. The loco pilot noticed irregularities on the track and immediately applied the emergency brake, bringing the train to a stop, the officials said. GRP, RPF, local police, and railway engineers reached the site and inspected the track. Preliminary investigations confirmed that the railway earthing line had been tampered with and iron structures were deliberately placed to cause damage, an official said. An FIR has been registered at Bhojipura police station under relevant sections, and an investigation is underway to identify the culprits, the official said. Railway authorities have increased security and intensified track patrolling across the region. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Izzatnagar division, Sanjeev Sharma, confirmed that the RPF will lead the investigation into the incident.

Joy as tigress at Sariska gives birth to four cubs

JAIPUR: To the delight of tiger lovers in Rajasthan, a tigress in Sariska National Park has given birth to four cubs. With this, the total number of tigers in the park has risen to 49. Nearly two decades ago, all tigers in Sariska had been poached and the park was left without a single big cat. This is now the third time in recent years that a tigress has given birth to four cubs. The tigress, known as ST-19, welcomed her four cubs in the Bareilly Badi area of Sariska Buffer Zone in Alwar. This marks the first time that four cubs have been born together in the buffer zone, which houses seven tigers and tigresses. Currently, there are a total of 11 tigers, tigresses and cubs in the buffer zone. The rise in number of tigers is also expected to boost tourism in the area, State Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma shared this information on social media. The reserve stretches over a core tiger habitat area of 881 km sq and 322.23 km sq of buffer area making it a total of 1203.34 km sq area of tiger reserve. After it was found in January 2005 that there were no tigers left in Sariska, the big cat was reintroduced through government efforts. New litter pushes count to 49 With this new addition, the total number of tigers in the park has risen to 49. This is now the third time in recent years that a tigress has given birth to a litter of four cubs.

Pakistani woman Nafisa linked to radicalisation of 240 Indian youths, UP ATS probes ISI network

LUCKNOW: Over 800 individuals, all contacts of Tufail Maqsood, 34, who was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) from Varanasi on 21 May on charges of spying for Pakistan, are under the radar of the agency. All the 800 people were added to 19 WhatsApp groups operated by Tufail. Notably, UP ATS had arrested Tufail Maqsood from Varanasi, Mohammad Harun, 45, of Delhi, from Noida on 21 May, and Rampur resident Shahzad Wahab, 35, in the same connection from Moradabad on 18 May. All three are currently in ATS custody for interrogation. The details of all 800 contacts were retrieved from Tufails phone. An ATS source claimed that Tufail had been operating 19 WhatsApp groups to stay in touch with his modules across seven eastern UP districts, including Varanasi, Jaunpur, Mau, Bhadohi, Mirzapur, Chandauli, and Ghazipur. He was allegedly involved in radicalising them in the name of religion by posting inflammatory speeches of clerics and terror group leaders from across the border. Establishing his links to Gajwa-e-Hind, Tufail used to post content related to establishing Muslim rule in India before 2047 and bringing Shariat law into force in the country. Moreover, he was being sent such content by a Pakistani woman, Nafisa, whom he had been in touch with for the past four months after connecting with her through social media platforms, said the sources. The social media profile of Nafisa revealed that she had been in touch with Indian youths, as many as 240, including six from Bareilly, Moradabad, Rampur, Kannauj, Lucknow, and Varanasi. It is suspected that ISI had been using Nafisa to connect with Indian youths and radicalise them to rope them in for spying ring and other nefarious activities, said a source. Nafisa had built a network of Indian youths and was spreading hatred by inciting Muslim youths in the name of religion and alleged atrocities on minorities in the country. Tufail was among the members of her network active in India. Earlier, the ATS had claimed that Tufail Maqsood, a resident of Jaitpura, Varanasi, was in touch with at least 600 Pakistani mobile numbers and shared sensitive information related to Indias security. The agency stated that Tufail is highly radicalised, as he used to share videos of banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Tehreek-e-Labbaiks leader Maulana Shaad Rizvi and content related to revenge for Babri mosque demolition.

Bareilly police begin 15-day drive to identify Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants

The move follows insturctions from the administration, as the police have been ordered to focus on temporary shanties, and detain suspects as per MHA guidelines

The National Commission for Women Launches Yashoda AI: First-of-Its-Kind AI Literacy Drive for Women

BAREILLY, May 23: To advance womens AI literacy and digital awareness across India, the launch of Yashoda AIYour AI SAKHI for Shaping Horizons with Digital Awareness took place at Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, on May 22, 2025. This initiative is a key step toward empowering women to contribute meaningfully to a Viksit Bharat driven by technology and inclusion. Led by the National Commission for Women (NCW), the Yashoda AI Abhiyan stands as Indias pioneering nationwide effort to empower [] The post The National Commission for Women Launches Yashoda AI: First-of-Its-Kind AI Literacy Drive for Women appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari credits her 10 years in advertising for success in films, recalls her strive at ad agency helped 'to connect with...' | Exclusive

Nil Battey Sannata and Bareilly Ki Barfi director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari discusses her success formula, and recalled how her decade in ad agency shaped her career as a storyteller.

PM Modi inaugurates 103 redeveloped stations; UPs 19 stations showcase blend of heritage, modernity

LUCKNOW: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated 103 redeveloped railway stations across the country under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, virtually from Bikaner, Rajasthan. Among these, 19 railway stations in Uttar Pradesh were also renovated, marking a significant step towards the modernisation of Indian Railways and enhancement of passenger amenities. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated in the event virtually from Lucknow. Later, taking to microblogging site X , the UP CM wrote: All 103 Amrit Stations across India, including 19 in Uttar Pradesh, dedicated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, embody New India's blend of heritage preservation, development resolve, and the synergy of speed and pride. He emphasised that these Amrit stations across the country embodied the vision of a 'New India.' Not only do these stations have modern amenities, but they will also promote regional culture and improve connectivity. The stations renovated under the scheme in Uttar Pradesh included Balrampur, Bareilly City, Bijnor, Fatehabad, Gola Gokarnanath, Govardhan, Govindpuri, Hathras City, Idgah Agra, Izzatnagar, Karchana, Mailani, Pukhrayan, Ramghat Halt, Saharanpur, Siddharthnagar, Suremanpur, Swaminarayan Chhapia, and Ujhani. The redevelopment of these stations is expected to provide a smoother and more pleasant travel experience for rail passengers in Uttar Pradesh. New features added to the renovated stations include state-of-the-art waiting rooms, escalators, lifts, amenities for the differently-abled, digital displays, green energy-based infrastructure, and glimpses of local architecture. These stations aim to enhance passenger comfort while also boosting the local economy. Following the main programme in Bikaner, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath posted on his X account from Lucknow, expressing his gratitude for the inauguration of 103 Amrit Stations across the country, including 19 in Uttar Pradesh. The CM said: Heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for these Amrit Stations that provide passengers with integrated modern facilities, accessible and soulful travel experience, he concluded. These 103 stations, located in 86 districts across 18 states and Union Territories, have been developed at a cost of over Rs 1,100 crore. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, more than 1,300 stations across the country are being redeveloped to reflect regional architecture and improve passenger amenities. In the last 11 years, the Modi government has laid 34,000 km of rail tracks and electrified 47,000 km of railway track. Additionally, trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and 42,000 ICF coaches have been converted into LHB coaches. For the first time since independence, small and medium stations have received focused attention. In 202324, the foundation for the redevelopment of 1,062 stations was laid. Over the next eight months, 100 more stations will be ready, and work on 500 stations is expected to be completed by 2027.

Indian Army Officer Deployed At Border, Goons Threaten To Kidnap His Daughters In Bareilly

Asiatic lion Pataudi dies at Kanpur zoo amid bird flu scare; samples sent to NIHSAD for testing

LUCKNOW: Amid the growing threat of avian influenza, or bird flu, an Asiatic lion Pataudi died at the Kanpur zoo on Thursday morning, days after being brought in for treatment following the death of a tigress Shakti from the virus. Pataudi was brought to Kanpur zoo from Ashfaq Ullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur on May 11. Meanwhile, the Kanpur Zoo authorities sent the visceral samples of the feline to National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal for testing. The state wildlife authorities had already shut the three zoos, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Gorakhpur, along with the Etawah Lion Safari till May 20 as a precautionary measure amid the bird flu scare. Moreover, additional samples from animals have been collected and sent for testing. As per informed sources, Pataudi, aged 15, was brought to Etawah Lion Safari from Junagarh in Gujarat in September 2019. After spending two years at the safari, he was relocated to Gorakhpur Zoo in 2021. The wildlife authorities claimed that the lion was undergoing treatment for pancreatic and hepatic infections. For the last two days, the feline had stopped consuming food and was surviving only on water. He was administered intravenous medication, and a thorough examination was conducted by veterinary doctors on Wednesday. Pataudi was quarantined on suspicion of bird flu, and the Kanpur Zoo authorities have been ensuring continuous sanitisation of the entire premises. According to Dr. Nasir, who led a team of four veterinary doctors from the state animal husbandry department, Pataudi had consumed about a kilogram of chicken upon his arrival at Kanpur Zoo on May 11. However, he stopped eating anything from Tuesday onwards. While the Kanpur Zoo authorities are awaiting Pataudis test reports, veterinary experts from Bareillys Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) have expressed concerns that he might have contracted bird flu. His remains will be cremated following safety norms after final confirmation from the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal. Kanpur Zoo ranger Naved Ikram stated that all other animals were currently healthy and under strict veterinary observation. He added that everyone entering the wildlife enclosures had been instructed to wear PPE kits as a preventive measure

UP police arrest 30 for pro-Pakistani posts after Operation Sindoor; textile traders seek ban on China, Turkiye imports

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Police continue their relentless crackdown on individuals posting pro-Pakistan content on social media platforms during Operation Sindoor . As per the police sources, 30 persons across 18 districts have been arrested by the authorities so far for their anti-India and pro-Pakistan posts on social media during the military operation by India in retaliation to Pahalgam terror killings . The police sources claim that, abiding by the directives of UP DGP Prashant Kumar, special team of social media cell of police headquarters has been running a relentless campaign lodging cases against such pro-Pakistan elements in Gorakhpur, Bareilly, Lakhimpur Kheri, Baghpat and many more districts across the state for making objectionable posts and comments on social media. The police authorities are also tracing those who, fearing the police action, deleted their social media accounts after making incendiary comments against India during Operation Sindoor, says a senior police officer. Police have initiated legal action against an account spreading false rumors on social media claiming that 40 people had died in a bomb blast in Gorakhpur during Operation Sindoor. The post was traced to an account under the name of Shalu Tripathi. Similarly, Bareillys Fareedpur resident, Faqruddin, was held for making objectionable posts on Facebook. In Lakhimpur Kheri Sameer Ali and Abdul Ashiq were held for shouting slogan Pakistan Zindabad and writing pro-Pakistan posts on social media. In Baghpat, the district police authorities have booked Usman Zahid for putting anti-India content on social media and a team of cops is out to nab him. The police authorities claim that the action is being taken not only against those who posted objectionable content on social media but also those anti-social elements who commented on such objectionable posts and shared them as well. The police authorities are also suspecting the role of toolkit behind such posts and a thorough investigation is on. On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh Textile Industry Traders Association has given a call to boycott textiles imported from China and Turkiye as both the countries supported Pakistan openly during the recent military face-off between the two neighbours in the aftermath of Pahalgam terror killings. As per the Association sources, a delegation would soon meet Raskha Mantri Rajnath Singh seeking a ban on the textile trade with China and Turkiye. Associations president Ashok Motiyani said that Indian traders import textile from China and Turkiye substantially giving a respectable chunk of revenue to the two terror-supporting countries. As Turkiye and China are openly siding with the enemy country, there is no need to have trade relations with them, says Anil Bajaj, the general secretary of the Association. The scale of textile trade with the two countries could be assessed from the fact that in Lucknow only, the textile traders do a business worth Rs 200 crore per month by importing clothes from Turkiye and China.

'Food adulteration is a social crime,' says UP CM Yogi; calls for public shaming of offenders

LUCKNOW: Launching a renewed crackdown on those involved in food adulteration and the sale of counterfeit medicines, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday termed the menace a social crime, declaring that such acts would not be tolerated. In a strong deterrent measure, the CM called for the public identification of offenders by displaying their photos at major intersections to raise awareness and discourage others. Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) department in Lucknow, Adityanath directed officials to take strict and decisive action against adulterators, fake medicine traders, and others under the states zero tolerance policy. He instructed that daily consumables such as oil, ghee, spices, milk, and cheese be tested rigorouslypreferably at production unitsto ensure quality. Special teams should be formed to carry out intensive checks of milk and dairy products with continuous monitoring, he said. Additionally, professional blood donors should be identified, and effective control should be established in this sector, he added. Public health is the state's top priority and it must be handled with full transparency and commitment. Officials informed the CM that the states network of food and drug laboratories had expanded significantly. Apart from six major divisions already in operation, new laboratories and offices have been established in Aligarh, Ayodhya, Azamgarh, Bareilly, Basti, Chitrakoot, Kanpur, Mirzapur, Moradabad, Prayagraj, Saharanpur, and Devi Patan divisions. Laboratory buildings in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Jhansi have also been upgraded, while three modern microbiology labs have been set up in Lucknow, Meerut, and Varanasi. These facilities are equipped for testing microorganisms, protozoa, viruses, bacteria, mycotoxins, and other pathogens. Testing is already underway in Lucknow and Meerut. The Chief Minister suggested the creation of a Corpus Fund to support the operation and maintenance of these laboratories. To tackle the fake drug trade effectively, Adityanath directed improved coordination between FSDA and police authorities to ensure better enforcement and drug quality checks. For transparency in the food safety process, FSDA has implemented a password-protected barcode system, allowing confidential and impartial sample analysis. Each sample is digitally tested by scientists and validated only after senior official approval. To boost public involvement, the department has introduced a mobile app called Food Safety Connect and a toll-free number (1800-180-5533). The CM instructed that a complaint be considered resolved only after the complainant expresses satisfaction. Significant progress has also been reported in the pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing sectors. Over the past three years, investment proposals worth 1,470 crore have been approved, generating direct employment for more than 3,340 people. There has also been a notable increase in pharmaceutical units, medical device production, blood banks, and retail medicine sellers across the state.

Bird flu scare: Death of a tigress lead to closure of zoos in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW: The death of a tigress in Gorakhpur zoo led to the closure of Lucknow, Kanpur and Gorakhpur zoos along with Etawah Lion Safari for a week on Tuesday evening following the bird flu scare in the state zoos. The decision to shut the zoos came after the death of a tigress Shakti at the Gorakhpur zoo as bird flu was confirmed as the cause of the death of feline. Meanwhile, all the Tiger reserves, including Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Lakhimpur Kheri, Amangarh Tiger Reserve in Bijnore, Ranipur Tiger Reserve in Chitrakoot and Suhelva Tiger Reserve in Balrampur, in the state have been directed to be on high alert. The wildlife authorities got alerted after the death of tigress Shakti at Gorakhpur zoo on May 7. Its viscera samples were sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, which confirmed bird flu as the cause of death on Tuesday. The tigress, Shakti, was over two years old and was brought to Gorakhpur after her rescue from Lakhimpur Kheris Mailani in May, 2024. Also, the viscera examination of the tigress by NIHSAD confirmed the presence of a rare Vibrio bacterial infection. This bacterium, typically found in aquatic life including fish and seabirds, is a potential risk of spreading H5N1 (avian influenza) through direct contact. Infection in several big cat species, including tigers, leopards, and others is common as they feed on infected poultry carcasses. Cats are also prone to infection because of their risk of exposure to poultry or wild birds, say the wild life experts. Moreover, female wolf Bhairavi also succumbed at the Gorakhpur zoo and its viscera samples were sent to IVRI Bareilly. Bhairavi's results are awaited. Meanwhile, a sick tiger named Pataudi was recently transferred to the Kanpur zoo, raising concerns about the potential spread of the virus there. The monitoring of all animals in the zoo is being done. They are being checked for symptoms of bird flu or other illnesses. Keepers have been made aware of the symptoms, said the senior forest official. According to Anuradha Vemuri, the principal chief conservator of forest-Wildlife (PCCF-Wildlife), the highest protocol was already in place. The zoos in Lucknow, Kanpur and Gorakhpur districts and the lion safari in Etawah shall remain closed for a week, she said. In a late Tuesday evening message to the staff of tiger reserves, senior forest officials asked them to keep a watch on the behaviour of animals on their premises and report if any of them fell sick or died. Meanwhile, Chief minister Yogi Adityanath, taking cognizance of the scare, directed the wildlife authorities to enforce maximum vigilance in all zoos in Uttar Pradesh to check the spread of H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu). As per an official statement, the CM chaired a high-level meeting saying the safety of protected animals and birds in zoos, bird sanctuaries, national parks, wetland areas and cow shelters must be treated as the topmost priority. He instructed officials to take all necessary preventive measures promptly and strictly in accordance with the guidelines issued by both the central and state governments to curb the possible spread of the infection. As a preventive strategy, Yogi ordered regular sanitization of zoo premises and the use of blow torching where needed. He also emphasized mandatory health screenings of all wild animals and birds, along with strict inspection of their food to prevent any contamination. The CM directed that all zoo staff be fully aware about avian influenza and equipped with PPE kits and other essential safety gear. He further said that staff duties within enclosures be assigned according to the level of associated risk. He called for strict monitoring of all poultry farms in line with safety protocols and tight control over the movement of poultry products. He directed the health department to assess the potential impact of bird flu on humans to prevent any risk of transmission to the public. The CM said that zoo authorities should be in regular contact with institutions like the Central Zoo Authority, National Centre for Disease Control, ministry of health, department of fisheries and dairy, and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, to seek advice and implement necessary action accordingly. At the same time, Gorakhpur health officials had collected blood samples from over 100 staff members of the Zoo, especially, those who were in touch with the Tigress Shakti. Their reports are expected by Wednesday, said Dr Yogesh Singh, the veterinary doctor at the Gorakhpur Zoo. He added that the entire zoo premises was sanitized. Dr Singh maintained that all animals, approximately 300 in number, present in Gorakhpur Zoo, were healthy and showed no signs of infection during their examination conducted on Tuesday.

Vande Bharat: Indian Railways to start Sleeper Train from Bareilly in UP to Mumbai, check route

The Indian Railways has been preparing to launch Bareilley to Mumbai Sleeper train from July which will start from Bareilley, Chandausi, Agra via different routes to reach Mumbai. Railways has introduced the Vande Bharat Sleeper train on this new route to provide a fastest journey.

Civil defence volunteers rehearse emergency response in Lucknow ahead of nationwide mock drill

LUCKNOW: A day before the scheduled mock drill mandated by the Union government, civil defence volunteers conducted a rehearsal at the Lucknow police lines on Tuesday to strengthen emergency preparedness. Meanwhile, UP DGP Prashant Kumar, on Tuesday, said that comprehensive civil defence mock drills would be conducted across all districts on Wednesday in compliance of the instructions received from the Government of India. The exercise, which involved around 200 civil defence volunteers, was aimed at training volunteers in managing large-scale emergencies and responding effectively to potential missile or air attacks. According to Chief Warden, Civil Defence Lucknow, Amarnath Mishra, the participants demonstrated coordinated responses to sirens, evacuation procedures, and protective measures designed to minimise panic and chaos during emergencies. The drill focused on practical techniques to protect civilians during missile strikes and air attacks, along with educating the public on how to safeguard themselves in such situations, Mishra added. The development comes a day after the Union Home Ministry's directives to states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to enhance civil defence preparedness. The Union Home Ministry asked the states to operationalise air raid warning sirens and train civilians to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. The states have also been directed to update and rehearse evacuation plans, crash blackout measures, and early camouflaging of vital plants and installations. Interacting with media persons, the UP DGP Prashant Kumar said that the Centre had identified 19 districts-- one placed in Category 1, two in Category 2 and the remaining 16 in Category 3-- for the exercise. Bulandshahr in western UP has been kept in Category 1; Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Bakshi Ka Talab, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Meerut, Prayagraj, Moradabad, Bareilly, Mathura, Ghaziabad, Jhansi, Saharanpur, Sarsawan, and Chandauli are there in Category 2; Baghpat and Muzaffarnagar, both western UP districts, have been kept in Category 3. However, keeping the preparedness in mind and also considering the local sensitivities, the state government has decided to conduct the mock drill across all the state districts, said the DGP. He explained that the exercise would involve coordinated participation from multiple agencies, including the police administration, fire services, and disaster response agencies, to cope with disasters and other critical situations. The mock drill is imperative to ensure better coordination and readiness among all response agencies, said Prashant Kumar. Meanwhile, DG Civil Defence, Abhay Prasad also confirmed the instructions received from the Centre, explaining preparations were already underway to equip civilians with the knowledge and readiness needed in case of any future conflict. He said the mock drill would be conducted between 7 pm to 9 pm on Wednesday. At present, the state Civil Defence department has offices in 15 districts but covers 26 districts through its network. As part of the initiative, an assessment of emergency medical infrastructure, response time, and coordination between various agencies would be assessed in the event of mass casualties and large-scale evacuations. The drill would also foster greater public awareness and resilience in times of national crisis, said a senior state government official.

Six killed in road crash in UP's Shahjahanpur

SHAHJAHANPUR: Six persons were killed in a head-on collision between a motorcycle and a car in Madnapur area here, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place near Kawilpur village on the Bareilly-Etawah road on Monday night, Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh Dwivedi said. The impact of the collision was so severe that the motorcycle's fuel tank exploded and caught fire, he said. While car occupants Sudhir (40) and Sonu (18) died on the spot, the four motorcycle riders -- Ravi (20), Akash (20), Dinesh (19), and Abhishek (19) -- were rushed to a hospital in a critical condition but succumbed to their injuries. The SP said the motorcycle riders were residents of Tilhar town and had gone to attend a feast in a nearby village in Madnapur area. The car occupants, residents of Bareilly, were on their way to attend a wedding in Giradharpur village in the same area. Police have sent the bodies for postmortem.

Constable posted in Bareilly police lines found dead under suspicious circumstances

A constable, Sanjay (42), stationed at the Reserve Police Lines in Bareilly, was discovered dead under a bridge over the Nakatia river on Saturday night. Authorities were alerted and took possession of the body, which has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the precise cause of death.

Accused On Bail Has No Right To Seek Permission To Travel Abroad: High Court

Justice Subhash Vidyarthi delivered the verdict while dismissing a plea filed by Aditya Murti, a consultant at the Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly.

UP Teacher Who Hid Pakistani Identity For 9 Years Missing After Pahalgam Attack

The Basic Education Department has fired Shumayla Khan and issued a recovery order, while Bareilly DM Avinash Singh has launched a probe into the departments negligence

What will happen to Shahnaaz Shahid of Karachi?

LUCKNOW: With the Centres directives to Pakistani nationals living in India to leave the country within 48 hours following the Pahalgam massacre, the way forward for Shahnaaz Shahid of Karachi seems difficult as she has lost her travel documents, including her passport and visa documents, after coming to India. As per police sources, Shahnaaz had arrived in Bareilly from Karachi on March 24 to visit her ailing mother who resides with her brother Saleem. Shahnaaz had come on a 45-day visa which she lost along with her passport in Punjab Mail. The train was jam-packed. My purse containing my documents got lost, Shanaaz said, adding that she lodged a complaint with Bareilly GRP. She said she would abide by whatever arrangements would be made for her to travel back to Pakistan. Bareilly SSP Anurag Arya said Shanaaz had reported her arrival with the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) on March 24. She had got a missing report lodged as she lost her travel documents. The LIU authorities and district police have written to competent authorities at High Commission about the missing travel documents of Shanaaz. As soon as we get some directives from the Central government, we will inform her in written and ensure the compliance of those directives, said the SSP. However, under such circumstances, authorities are contemplating to make alternative arrangement to ensure Shanaazs return. Shahnaaz said she was married off to Shahid Hussain of Karachi around 40 years back. As the authorities reached out to Shahnaaz, she expressed her willingness to go back. Sources claimed that Shanaaz, who had come on Special Provision Admission Visa, would be sent to Delhi in next two days and Pakistani High Commission would make arrangements for her return.