Police Arrest Fake Ice Cream Vendor With 1,300g Ganja Near Ramlila Maidan

Delhi Police arrested a 53-year-old ice cream vendor near Ramlila Maidan in central Delhi at around 5:30 p.m. on August 8 after officers recovered 1,300 grams of cannabis hidden in his carry bag. The suspect allegedly operated under the guise of a street vendor, using a bicycle to peddle high-grade ganja to local youths in the central Delhi neighborhood.

The suspect was identified by authorities as Manoj Kumar Rai, a resident of Ghanta Ghar. According to police details, Rai frequented the streets near Ramlila Maidan every evening. His daily routine involved ringing his bicycle bell to signal his presence, attracting groups of local youngsters who would gather around his bicycle to purchase the illicit substance disguised as ice cream treats.

The arrest took place during routine pre-Independence Day security patrols in the area. Beat officer Suraj was patrolling the central Delhi locality when he noticed a distinct, pungent scent of high-grade cannabis wafting through the air. The officer traced the strong aroma directly to the carry bag mounted on Rai's bicycle, raising immediate suspicion regarding the vendor's actual goods.

After identifying the source of the smell, the beat constable immediately contacted the Kamla Market police control room to request back-up. A team comprising Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Rajesh and the local Station House Officer (SHO) quickly dispatched to the scene to assist in the operation.

Following established legal procedures under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the police team searched Rai's carry bag. Inside, officers discovered 1,300 grams of neatly packaged contraband ganja. Rai was subsequently taken into custody by the local police team following the search and seizure.