On January 5, 2026, around 7:30 p.m., four masked robbers on two motorcycles attacked the home of retired revenue official Balendra Singh, 70, in Gorakhpur near Rajhi Maurya Chauraha. The men forced Mr. Singh inside at gunpoint, hitting him when he tried to shout. They held his wife Usha, daughter-in-law Kalpana, and sister-in-law Purnima hostage, forcing them to remove their gold jewellery. The family women handed over cupboard keys fearing for the safety of Mr. Singh's grandsons, who were also threatened with pistols. Mr. Singh's visually impaired younger brother was unharmed. The robbers fled with jewellery and cash worth over ₹50 lakh within 25 minutes. The police have registered an FIR against unknown suspects and are reviewing CCTV footage. Superintendent of Police Abhinav Tyagi said, "raids were underway and expressed confidence that the case would be cracked soon."