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Concerns Rise Over Women's Safety in Lucknow Following Murder Case

A recent murder case in Lucknow has sparked significant concerns regarding women's safety in the city. Following the tragic incident, which involved a woman returning from a job interview, the police faced criticism for their delayed response and inability to apprehend suspects. Despite extensive investigations, including the review of CCTV footage and interrogation of numerous individuals, no leads have emerged. The situation has led to the suspension of several police officers and raised serious questions about law enforcement's effectiveness in ensuring public safety. As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, fearing for the safety of women in the area.
By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 21, 2025, 21:37 IST

A Dark Turn for Lucknow's Reputation

Concerns Rise Over Women's Safety in Lucknow Following Murder Case
Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is known for its welcoming slogan, "Smile, you are in Lucknow," but a recent murder incident has overshadowed this positivity, raising alarms about the safety of women. The local police are under fire for their inability to locate the auto-rickshaw involved in the crime or identify the suspect in Malihabad.

The Final Call – A Distress Signal

A woman from Ayodhya, who had traveled to Varanasi for a job interview, was on her way back to Lucknow on Tuesday night. She boarded a bus in Varanasi at 7 PM and reached Alambagh bus stand at 1:30 AM. At 1:37 AM, she called her brother to inform him that she had found an auto to take her to Chinhat. However, at 2 AM, she expressed concern that the driver was taking an unfamiliar route. Her last message at 2:35 AM included her location, but shortly after, her phone was turned off.


Delayed Police Response Raises Eyebrows

Her brother reached out to the police control room at 2:37 AM, but the response was sluggish. It wasn't until an hour later that the police initiated a search, and by 4 AM, her body was discovered in a garden in Wajidnagar, Malihabad. This delay has led to accusations of police negligence, resulting in the suspension of seven officers, including the head of the Alambagh police station.

Extensive Search Efforts with No Breakthrough

In a bid to solve the case, 60 police personnel have been organized into six teams, yet no significant progress has been made. The investigative efforts include:


Investigation Strategies Underway

  • Reviewing CCTV footage
  • Tracking mobile numbers through surveillance
  • Searching for the auto-rickshaw involved
More than 500 CCTV cameras along the routes from Alambagh to Malihabad (via Charbagh or Nahariya) have been scrutinized, but identifying the specific auto remains a challenge. A suspicious vehicle was captured on CCTV near Kasmandi intersection, Malihabad, but the image quality is poor.


No Leads Despite Widespread Investigation

  • 50 individuals have been questioned, but no promising leads have surfaced.
  • Police are conducting search operations at various locations to uncover potential evidence.
  • 5,000 mobile numbers that were active between 12 AM and 4 AM in Malihabad are being examined for any suspicious activity.


Impact on Lucknow's Safety Image

This tragic event has reignited fears about women's safety in Lucknow. As the police continue their investigation, the lack of arrests thus far has raised serious doubts about the effectiveness of law enforcement in the area.