UP govt adopted zero-tolerance policy towards crime, over 220 criminals killed since 2017: Minister
Lucknow (PTI): Over 220 criminals were killed in encounters while 8,022 others injured in operations targeting criminal elements in various districts of Uttar Pradesh since the Adityanath government came to power in 2017, Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said on Thursday.
While presenting the state's budget, Khanna said Adityanath had inherited a state grappling with deteriorating law and order situation, marked by rampant criminal activities and mafia rule.
"The government, committed to restoring peace, initiated a zero-tolerance policy towards crime, launching an all-out campaign against criminals, gangsters, and mafia operatives across the state," he said.
Between March 20, 2017, and January 23, 2025, the government's crackdown on notorious criminals has led to significant outcomes, he said.
"A total of 221 criminals were killed in encounters, while 8,022 others were injured during operations targeting criminal elements in various districts of the state since 2017," he said.
The state effectively pursued cases against 68 identified mafia criminals, securing convictions in 73 cases.
Among these, 31 mafias were sentenced to life imprisonment or rigorous imprisonment along with fines, while two were awarded the death penalty, he said.
In the domain of crimes against women and minors, a total of 27,425 cases were registered.
Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 11,254 cases were filed, and 3,775 dowry death cases were resolved, ensuring justice for the victims.
The state's efforts in combating cybercrime have also been remarkable, with the blocking of 13,83,232 mobile numbers, ranking Uttar Pradesh at the top of the nation in such measures.
In terms of case resolution, the state has made significant strides.
Out of the 77,210 cases registered between 2017 and December 31, 2024, 66,475 cases were disposed of.
Additionally, actions were taken against 43,202 accused, and a sum of Rs 320.89 crore was recovered during investigations.
Uttar Pradesh's forensic infrastructure has also seen an expansion, he said. Prior to 2017, the state had only four forensic science laboratories. Since then, eight new forensic labs have been established, with work ongoing in six more districts, including Ayodhya, Basti, Banda, Azamgarh, Mirzapur, and Saharanpur, he added.
Video conferencing facilities have been set up in all 74 jails and district courts, facilitating smoother remand proceedings for prisoners.
To strengthen security, around 4,800 CCTV cameras have been installed across prisons, with a video wall set up at the headquarters to monitor feeds. Additionally, 271 mobile phone jammers with 3G capacity have been deployed in 24 jails to prevent illegal communication, the minister said.
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UDF leaders see local body poll trends as pointer to 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Buoyed by the strong performance of the Congress-led UDF in the local body polls, KPCC president Sunny Joseph said on Saturday that the front's results indicated the people had rejected the LDF government.
According to early trends, the UDF was leading in more grama panchayats, block panchayats, municipalities and corporations than the LDF.
The local body polls were held in two phases in the state earlier this week.
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Speaking to reporters here, Joseph said the people of Kerala had extended their support to the UDF.
"We could expose the LDF government’s anti-people stance and the people understood it. The LDF’s fake propaganda was rejected by the people. The UDF is moving towards a historic victory," he said.
He said a united effort, proper preparations, good candidate selection and hard work had resulted in the Congress and the UDF’s victory in the elections.
Asked about the prospects in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Joseph said the party was studying the matter and would comment later.
LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan said the results would be closely examined.
According to him, the government had done everything possible for the people.
"Why such a verdict happened will be examined at the micro level. People’s opinion will be considered and further steps will be taken," he said.
He added that decisions would be taken after analysing the results. "If any corrective measures are required, we will initiate them and move forward," he said.
AICC leader K C Venugopal said the results showed that people had begun ousting those who, he alleged, were responsible for the loss of gold at Lord Ayyappa’s temple.
"This trend will continue in the Assembly elections as well. It is an indication that the people are ready to bring down the LDF government," he said.
Venugopal said the UDF had registered victories even in CPI(M) and LDF strongholds.
"I congratulate all UDF workers for their hard work. Congress workers and leaders worked unitedly," he said.
Referring to remarks made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan against the Congress on polling day, Venugopal said the voters had responded through the verdict.
"I do not know whether the chief minister understands that the people are against him. Otherwise, he does not know the sentiment of the people. The state government cannot move an inch further," he said.
He said the results indicated a strong comeback for the UDF in Kerala.
Asked whether the Sabarimala gold loss issue had affected the LDF in the local polls, Venugopal said the CM and the CPI(M) state secretary did not take the issue seriously.
"We took a strong stand on the matter. The BJP played a foul game in it," he alleged.
On the BJP's role in the local body elections, Venugopal alleged that the party operated with the CPI(M) 's tacit support.
"The CPI(M) supported the central government on issues such as PM-SHRI, labour codes and corruption in national highway construction. The CPI(M) is facing ideological decline, and the state government’s policies are against the party’s own decisions," he said.
Meanwhile, LDF ally Kerala Congress (M) leader Jose K Mani said the party could not win all the wards it had expected in the elections.
He congratulated winners from all parties and said the party would closely examine the losses and identify shortcomings. "Later, we will take corrective measures," he added.
Senior Congress leader and MP Rajmohan Unnithan said the trends in the local body elections indicated that the UDF would return to power in the 2026 Assembly elections.
"We will win 111 seats as in 1977 and return to power in 2026. The anti-government sentiment of the people is reflected in the elections," he said.
Unnithan said the people were disturbed and unhappy with the present government.
"The trend indicates the end of the LDF government," he added.
CPI(M) MLA M M Mani said the people had shown ingratitude towards the LDF despite benefiting from welfare schemes.
"After receiving all welfare schemes and living comfortably, people voted against us due to some temporary sentiments. Is that not ingratitude," he asked.
Mani said no such welfare initiatives had taken place in Kerala earlier.
"People are receiving pensions and have enough to eat. Even after getting all this, they voted against us. This is what can be called ingratitude," he said.
Muslim League state president Panakkad Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal said the results were beyond expectations.
"The outcome points towards the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, indicating that a change of government is imminent. We are going to win the Assembly election," he said.
