LUCKNOW: A CCTV video showing a man allegedly stealing a plant and loading it into a WagonR bearing a “POLICE” sticker on the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat has gone viral on social media.The footage purportedly shows the person removing a plant from the roadside and placing it inside the car.The circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established.Police said no complaint has been received in connection with the incident so far.Baghpat Police said, “It is to be informed that, with regard to the aforementioned case, no information or written complaint has been received at Baraut Police Station so far. The concerned NHAI department has also not provided any information to Baraut Police Station regarding the said case. The police at the station are seeking information regarding the actual status of the case. Necessary legal action will be ensured based on the information received and the facts that come to light during the investigation.”They added that the viral video is being verified and further action will be taken based on the findings.The incident comes months after a similar plant theft was reported in Uttar Pradesh, where nearly 7,000 potted plants worth around Rs 10 lakh were allegedly stolen within 24 hours of the inauguration of Rashtra Prerna Sthal.The plants were part of a Rs 60 lakh horticulture project carried out for the event in December 2025.Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) officials said the thefts began shortly after the programme concluded.People were allegedly seen removing flower pots and leaving the area in cars and on scooters. Several videos of the incident were circulated on social media.Following the thefts, the LDA deployed 30 security personnel around the site to protect the remaining plants.Police presence was also strengthened. In some stretches, the LDA began shifting pots to Lohia Park for safekeeping.
