PRAYAGRAJ, Oct. 26 -- Since late September, the district has witnessed a disturbing rise in violent crime, including multiple murders, alongside viral audio and video clips allegedly showing police personnel involved in extortion. Police action so far has included suspensions and cash rewards for information on absconding suspects.

On October 23, near All Saints Cathedral, a media-associated person was allegedly stabbed to death with a chopper. Two days earlier, roadways contractual worker Ravindra Kumar was killed in broad daylight at Mundera Toll Plaza after assailants allegedly smashed his head with a brick. Despite protests and road blockades, no arrests have been made.

On October 19, in Rajrooppur, a Jaguar allegedly driven by an i...