Lucknow Police Register Fresh FIRs Against Social Media Robbery Gangs
Robbery gangs in Lucknow continue to exploit social media platforms and dating applications to target unsuspecting victims, with two new First Information Reports (FIRs) recently registered at the Indira Nagar police station. According to police sources, the latest complainants faced initial resistance when reporting the incidents, but separate cases have now been formally filed. This development follows earlier police busts of similar app-based robbery rackets in Aliganj and Hazratganj, which resulted in multiple arrests.
Details of the Recent Cases
In one alarming incident, a private college student from Kalyanpur Gudamba reported that he befriended an individual named Adarsh Singh on social media. On July 12, 2025, the student was lured to the Kukrail forest area, where he was allegedly abducted by five men. The victim was held hostage overnight, subjected to physical assault, and coerced into transferring money. The perpetrators also recorded a video to blackmail him and copied sensitive data from his mobile phone.
Another case involves a resident of Indiranagar who claimed to have met a man named Shivam Upadhyay on Instagram. On November 30, 2025, Upadhyay enticed the victim near the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP). At the location, the victim was threatened with false drug charges, assaulted, and robbed of cash and a gold chain. Additionally, he was forced to reveal his UPI PIN, enabling the assailants to transfer funds from his account.
Police Response and Previous Incidents
Police authorities have confirmed the registration of these FIRs and are actively investigating the matters. It is noteworthy that the complainants were initially turned away when they first approached the police, highlighting potential challenges in reporting such crimes. Furthermore, two similar robbery incidents in the Kukrail forest have also come to light, indicating a pattern of criminal activity in the area.
Earlier this year, law enforcement agencies successfully dismantled same-sex app-based robbery networks in Aliganj and Hazratganj, leading to the arrest of several suspects. These operations underscore the ongoing threat posed by digital platforms being used for illicit activities in Lucknow.
Residents are advised to exercise caution when interacting with strangers online and to report any suspicious behavior to the authorities immediately.
