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A unique application of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based surveillance system at the Maha Kumbh, implemented for the first time by the Yogi Adityanath administration on a mammoth scale, would help avert congregation accidents in the years ahead and avoid repetition of a tragedy like this year, Mela authorities said. At least 30 people were killed and over 90 others were injured in a stampede on January 29 at the ongoing Maha Kumbh congregation at Prayagraj, which has already witnessed a footfall of record 60 crore pilgrims. Some 2,750 close-circuit cameras monitoring the 4000-acre Mela ground, about 250 of which are AI-enabled, feeding information to the Integrated Control and Command Center (ICCC) of the Mela have empowered the authorities with unique and real-time insights into crowd density per metre square at the bathing ghats, people flow into the Mela premises per minute, parking status of vehicles, crowd accumulation at key junctions and the need to issue alerts based on ...
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that his government has written to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy to send officers at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj "to study crowd management and other varied aspects" of their duties. "The one thing that has stood out this time is police behaviour. We deployed young police officers for Maha Kumbh duty after training them. We have also written to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy to send young officers here to study crowd management and other varied aspects associated with a mega arrangement of this kind," Adityanath told senior journalists at his 5, Kalidas Marg residence here this evening. "Where else would they (young officers) get an opportunity of this nature to study so much, learn so much directly on the spot?" he asked. Adityanath also said most leading global institutions are currently conducting studies and research on various aspects of the Maha Kumbh, which began in ...
With less than a week for the Maha Kumbh to kick off, the state police has launched an intensive checking campaign in the Mela area, particularly around Sangam, the Uttar Pradesh government said on Tuesday. The government estimates around 40 crore to 45 crore visitors, including foreigners, during the religious congregation that will be held from January 13 to February 26. "An intensive checking campaign was launched ahead of the main bathing festival under the leadership of Deputy Inspector General of Police Vaibhav Krishna (IPS) to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of Maha Kumbh 2025," it said in a statement. "The campaign focuses on heightened surveillance of suspicious individuals and activities at key locations such as Sangam Ghat, pontoon bridges and major intersections," it added. The DIG instructed all station in-charges to enhance vigilance in their respective jurisdictions and maintain a proactive approach to security. Special measures were implemented to prevent any .
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has stressed the importance of maintaining quality and adhering to deadlines in the construction of police lines, transit hostels, and training institutions under the home department. Chairing a meeting at his official residence on Thursday, the chief minister directed that these projects be reviewed regularly at various administrative levels to ensure progress, according to an official statement. Adityanath emphasised that a secretary-level official from the home department should conduct weekly reviews, while the additional chief secretary should conduct fortnightly reviews. He added that monitoring responsibilities should also extend to district, range, and zonal police officers. Highlighting accountability, the chief minister ordered a monthly third-party audit by technical institutes for all projects exceeding Rs 50 crore. This audit should include on-site verification and photographic evidence submitted alongside the report, the ..
The Uttar Pradesh Police's "Ek Pahal" initiative, launched to encourage Good Samaritans to report emergencies and promote community policing, concluded after receiving 88,447 calls from vigilant citizens across the state, officials said Monday. The campaign, which began on August 12, was inaugurated by Director General of Police Prashant Kumar and ran for 107 days. Officials said the number of calls made by strangers to help victims has increased in the state. During the initiative, 86,341 of the calls were made to seek police assistance, while others reported emergencies to save lives and aid those in need. Notably, UP 112 honoured 20 Good Samaritans whose timely actions helped save lives. One such instance occurred in September when a vigilant citizen in Baghpat witnessed four men assaulting and abducting an individual. The citizen immediately alerted UP-112, enabling the police to intervene promptly. The police rescued the victim and arrested two accused, Rahul and Lalit, both
The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to eight convicts in the infamous 1987 Hashimpura case involving the massacre of 38 persons by the Provincial Armed Constabulary personnel. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih took note of the submissions of senior advocate Amit Anand Tiwari, appearing for four convicts, that they were suffering prolonged incarceration after the Delhi High Court reversed their acquittal by the trial court in the case. On Friday, senior advocate Tiwari, while representing Sami Ullah, Niranjan Lal, Mahesh Prasad, and Jaipal Singh, argued the appellants had been in jail for over six years since the high court verdict. He highlighted that the appellants were previously acquitted by the trial court and their conduct during the trial, and appeal process, was exemplary. He further contended that the reversal of the trial court's well-reasoned acquittal by the high court was based on erroneous grounds. The court took note of the ...
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday urged officials to adopt a sensitive approach in addressing public grievances, stressing that no injustice would be tolerated. Addressing people at a 'Janta Darshan' held at the Gorakhnath Temple, Adityanath reiterated the government's commitment to fairness and transparency in handling public issues, a statement issued here said. "No injustice will be tolerated. Every individual will get justice," he said while directing officials to ensure prompt and satisfactory resolutions to complaints. Adityanath said that the government stands firm in its resolve to address every grievance, the statement read. He directed officials to adopt a sensitive approach while resolving issues, according to the statement. The chief minister advised mediation for family disputes, suggesting legal action if reconciliation efforts fail, it said. He also ordered strict action against illegal land encroachments by influential individuals. Several p
The Allahabad High Court has directed Prayagraj Police Commissioner Tarun Gauba and other police officers to appear before it on December 10 on a contempt petition and apprise the court as to what action has been taken against the policemen who delayed in lodging of FIR despite a complaint moved by the applicant. Hearing a contempt petition filed by one Balram Yadav, Justice Salil Kumar Rai directed to list this case for the next hearing on December 10. The applicant had moved a complaint before Ghurpur Police Station, Prayagraj, alleging that one Arpit, who is representative of an MLA, had attacked his father earlier on September 25 in which he died. The applicant, however, alleged that the FIR was not registered due to political pressure which is violation of the court's guidelines. As per previous direction of the high court, the Commissioner of Police, Prayagraj, DCP, Yamuna Nagar, Prayagraj, and other police officials appeared before the court on November 28. They filed an ..