LUCKNOW: Nearly 7,000 potted plants worth around Rs 10 lakh were looted within 24 hours of the inauguration of Rashtra Prerna Sthal. The stolen plants were part of a Rs 60 lakh horticulture project executed for the event.LDA officials said the thefts began on Thursday evening, soon after the programme concluded. People were seen removing flower pots and leaving the area in cars and on scooters. Several videos of the incident circulated on social media.
A shopkeeper from the area said, “I saw people coming on scooters, quickly lifting two or three pots and leaving. Even when police were around, the theft did not stop initially.”LDA has deployed 30 security personnel around the site to protect the remaining plants. Police presence has also been strengthened. In some stretches, LDA started shifting pots to the Lohia park.LDA vice-chairman Prathamesh Kumar said a written complaint is being submitted and FIRs will be registered against those involved. “We are initiating legal action in the matter. As a precautionary step, the remaining flower pots are being removed from vulnerable locations,” he said.
