UP Police podcast highlights high profile probes

Lucknow: In a pioneering step toward transparency, public engagement and digital outreach, the Uttar Pradesh Police launched a rare crime-focused podcast series under its official audio platform, ‘Beyond the Badge'.This new series marks a significant expansion of the podcast, aiming to highlight the meticulous investigative work of police officers in cracking some of the most sensational and complex crimes in the state.The initiative stems from a directive issued by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who emphasised the need to publicise achievements, innovations and public service efforts of the police through modern and accessible platforms. In response, the ‘Beyond the Badge' podcast was launched in January 2025.A rare format: What sets this new podcast series apart is its documentary-style narrative, focusing on real criminal cases investigated by the UP Police. Each episode features interviews with the officers who led these investigations, offering an in-depth look into how cases were solved using a combination of human intelligence, technical surveillance, forensic analysis and tireless groundwork.The first episode in the crime series dives into a massive ₹100-crore insurance fraud case unearthed in Sambhal district. The episode features IPS Officer Anukriti Sharma, Superintendent of Police (south Sambhal), who led the investigation that uncovered multiple organised crime syndicates operating across the region.Speaking on the podcast, SP Anukriti Sharma explains how these syndicates exploited govt health and insurance schemes by forging documents, manipulating Aadhaar data and bribing local agents such as ASHA workers, village secretaries and bank officials. The gangs would fraudulently issue insurance policies in the names of poor, illiterate or deceased individuals, open fake nominee bank accounts and claim the payouts after orchestrated deaths or by faking them."In some cases, they even insured dead individuals and later claimed they died again to obtain benefits," said Sharma. "There were also instances where young men were insured for crores of rupees and then murdered to claim the insurance."The episode outlines how the UP Police used data analytics, technical surveillance and meticulous coordination with insurance companies and banks to track the scam. Several key arrests were made, and links to a wider network operating in multiple districts were uncovered.A public call for vigilance:Through the podcast, SP Sharma also issues a strong appeal to citizens, urging them to avoid handing over Aadhaar, PAN cards, thumbprints, or other personal documents without full verification. She cautions people to apply for any govt scheme only through official channels and to remain alert to suspicious activities, such as individuals who suddenly become wealthy or show unexplained behaviour."If you see something unusual in your community—be it suspicious deaths, sudden wealth, or coercion—report it to the police immediately," she advises. "These crimes thrive in silence. Community awareness is our first line of defence."A new face of police communication: The crime podcast series is a landmark initiative for any Indian law enforcement agency. By using storytelling as a tool, UP Police aims to build transparency, increase public trust, and educate citizens about modern policing techniques and crime trends.Episodes of the ‘Beyond the Badge' podcast are available on popular streaming platforms and the official UP Police channels. The department plans to release future episodes covering cybercrime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other high-stakes investigations from across the state.This initiative not only humanises the police force but also offers the public a rare look at the complexity, risks and dedication involved in solving real-life crimes.