Interstate Smugglers Arrested with ₹7 Lakh Worth of Marijuana, Inspired by ‘Pushpa’ Film

Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh): In a major crackdown, the SWAT team and Rani Ki Sarai police have arrested two interstate smugglers who were trafficking marijuana using a specially designed hidden chamber in an auto-rickshaw, similar to the smuggling techniques depicted in the film ‘Pushpa’. During the search, 70 kilograms of marijuana was recovered from the secret compartment of the vehicle. The arrested smugglers used to procure marijuana from Odisha and supply it to Bihar and Deoria district.

How the Smugglers Were Caught?

During a press conference at the Police Line Auditorium on Thursday, SP City Shailendra Lal revealed that late at night, a joint team of Rani Ki Sarai police station and SWAT was conducting checks near Semaraha underpass when they intercepted a suspicious auto-rickshaw. Upon searching, they discovered a chamber-like box on the roof of the vehicle covered with iron mesh, which was packed with marijuana.

A total of 70.2 kg of marijuana, worth approximately ₹7 lakh, was seized. Additionally, ₹1,000 in cash and a mobile phone were also recovered. The arrested individuals were identified as:

Master Sahni, son of Ambika Sahni, resident of Ekderwa, Ward No. 11, Gopalganj, Bihar.

Surendra Yadav, son of Late Ramjeet Yadav, resident of Chitravali Tadhwa, Khampur, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh.

‘Pushpa’ Movie Inspired the Smugglers

During police interrogation, both smugglers confessed that they were inspired by the techniques shown in the film ‘Pushpa’. After watching the movie, they started smuggling marijuana using a hidden chamber in an auto-rickshaw. They purchased marijuana from Jharsuguda, Odisha and transported it to Sonbhadra, Chandauli, and Azamgarh, before delivering it to Bihar.

Police Action & Legal Consequences

SP City Shailendra Lal stated that the accused had already smuggled marijuana twice in the last two months using this hidden chamber method. They supplied marijuana in Gopalganj (Bihar) and Deoria (UP). Police are now preparing to charge them under the Gangster Act, and their illegal assets will be seized. Further investigations are underway to identify other members of the supply chain, and strict action will be taken against all those involved.

This case highlights how movies can influence criminal activities, and the police remain vigilant in cracking down on such illicit activities.