Uttar Pradesh is on high alert as the state prepares for Alvida Juma prayers, marking the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan. Authorities are taking extensive security measures to ensure peace and order during this significant day, particularly in sensitive areas like Lucknow and Sambhal. The police have implemented a ban on offering prayers on roads and public spaces, deploying drone surveillance and monitoring social media for any objectionable content.
On March 28, 2025, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Lokbandhu Hospital in Lucknow to check on children affected by a recent food poisoning incident at the Nirvan Sanstha shelter. Approximately 70 children fell ill, and tragically, four have died. CM Yogi met with the children and directed doctors to ensure they receive the best possible care while also ordering an investigation into the causes of the food poisoning. This incident has raised serious concerns about safety and hygiene in the shelter, prompting calls for accountability.
As the state braces for Alvida Juma, the police administration has made special arrangements across various districts. In Lucknow alone, prayers will be held at 94 Eidgahs and 1210 mosques, with the city divided into five zones and 18 sectors to facilitate security. A total of 64 hotspots have been identified, where heightened security measures are in place, including the installation of CCTV cameras on major routes and the deployment of 12 gazetted officers along with nine companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC).
In Sambhal, police conducted flag marches to ensure safety ahead of the prayers. Additional SP Shrish Chandra and CO Anuj Chaudhary led these efforts, patrolling sensitive areas to maintain law and order. The police have been instructed to remain vigilant, particularly in light of previous incidents of unrest during religious gatherings. The local police have also been directed to check all police duties to ensure a robust security presence.
In a related development, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) announced plans to provide ownership rights to approximately 4,000 tenants, allowing them to become homeowners. This initiative aims to support economically weaker sections of society, with new apartments being developed in the Devpura Para area and a new township planned in Bakshi Ka Talab. The township will be designed similarly to Panchkula, with land acquisition planned from local farmers.
However, the day has not been without its tragedies. A fatal accident occurred on the Delhi-Agra highway near Mathura, where a speeding vehicle collided with an e-rickshaw, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and serious injuries to two others. The incident drew a significant response from local law enforcement as family members of the victims protested against the police’s handling of the situation.
In another distressing incident, a Dalit woman died under suspicious circumstances at a private hospital in Pratapgarh. Her family has alleged that she was raped and murdered, leading to widespread protests outside the hospital. Tensions escalated as villagers clashed with police when they attempted to take the body for postmortem. The situation prompted a heavy police presence to restore order, with officers working to negotiate with the protesters.
Adding to the somber news, a woman in Baghpat took her own life following significant financial losses in the stock market. She left a suicide note detailing her investment of 13 lakh rupees, of which she lost 7 lakh. The police have initiated an investigation into this tragic event, highlighting the pressures faced by individuals in volatile financial situations.
As the day unfolds, the focus remains on maintaining peace and security during Alvida Juma prayers, with law enforcement agencies on high alert to prevent any potential unrest. The community is urged to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the authorities to ensure a peaceful observance of this important religious occasion.
