Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh— A routine day turned bizarre when local police uncovered a drug-laced twist at a beloved street food stall in Mohanlalganj. Forty-two-year-old Pramod Sahu, the owner of a small kiosk known for his aloo tikki and chutney, was arrested after it was discovered he had been secretly infusing these tasty snacks with cannabis—and discreetly distributing small packets of the drug to select customers. MoneycontrolCurly Tales
The Sting Operation
According to police reports, Sahu’s stall appeared innocuous. Known for its crisp aloo tikki and flavorful boiled eggs, the kiosk served a devoted clientele who trusted the vendor. However, a tip-off led to a police raid, where officers uncovered evidence that Sahu had been mixing cannabis powder into his chutney and even the tikki itself—targeting his “trusted patrons,” a euphemism for those he handed the drug-laced food or packets to in secret.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Mohanlalganj) Rajneesh Verma confirmed that the arrest took place swiftly after the raid, leaving both the vendor’s regulars and local authorities stunned. Moneycontrol
A Parallel Crackdown in Nagram
In what seemed like an eerie coincidence—and possibly a coordinated operation—police in Nagram arrested three additional men the same day. The accused, identified as Manish Yadav (26), Dev Ravat (28), and Jagdeep Yadav (43), had been distributing cannabis near busy public spots such as bus stands, railway stations, and around schools.
Using an e-rickshaw to avoid suspicion, the trio allegedly transported cannabis hidden in school bags. When halted by police near the canal between Samesi and Karora Bazar, officers recovered a substantial stash—4.7 kilograms of cannabis.
These small cannabis packets were priced between ₹500 and ₹1,200, indicating a deliberate targeting of consumers seeking quick, untraceable access to the drug. MoneycontrolCurly Tales
Multiple Arrests, Streamlined Enforcement
ACP Verma stated that all four individuals—Sahu and the three suppliers—have now been taken into custody. He emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, noting that Sahu’s actions violated multiple provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, while the Nagram arrests reflected a broader effort to dismantle street-level drug distribution in public zones.
Legal proceedings are underway. Sahu faces charges for adulterating food with cannabis and illicit drug distribution, while the trio from Nagram has been booked for drug trafficking and possession with intent to distribute. The Times of IndiaMoneycontrol
Community Impact & Wider Context
The uncovered racket sent shockwaves through Lucknow’s food-loving community. Street food, often celebrated as the soul of Indian cities, is now tinged with unease. Citizens who regularly visited the Mohanlalganj stall are now questioning what—or who—they can trust, especially when it comes to their favorite local snacks.
This case also highlights a still-open question across urban India: could such clandestine drug operations be more widespread than realized? The Nagram arrests suggest that distributing cannabis via mobile means—like e-rickshaws—near schools and transit hubs might be a method employed by traffickers to stay under the radar.
Next Steps & Precautions
Local authorities are boosting surveillance in areas known for food stalls and street-side commerce. Random checks and hygiene inspections may now include testing for prohibited substances. Meanwhile, community leaders are encouraging residents—especially parents—to stay alert and report anything suspicious around school zones or bus depots.
As the legal process unfolds, the story of Pramod Sahu’s cannabis-laced aloo tikkis serves as a potent reminder: even the most familiar bite may hold an unexpected—and unwelcome—twist.
