In a major blow to the drug mafia, a ₹50,000 reward-carrying trafficker, Pankaj Tripathi, was injured and arrested following a late-night encounter with police in the Mohanlalganj area of Lucknow. His associate, Narendra Tripathi, was also taken into custody.
Encounter at 2:30 a.m. in Mohanlalganj
The encounter unfolded around 2:30 a.m. near the Kanakha outpost. Acting on specific intelligence, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and Lucknow Police had intensified surveillance after learning that Pankaj Tripathi—wanted in an NDPS case registered at Saini police station in Kaushambi—was active in the area.
During patrolling near Jevarauli village, officers spotted two suspicious men on a motorcycle. When signaled to stop, they attempted to flee, prompting a chase. One of the suspects opened fire on the police team, forcing officers to retaliate.
In the exchange, Pankaj Tripathi was shot in the right leg and fell off the motorcycle. Both men were immediately overpowered and arrested.
Both Accused Belong to Kaushambi
Police confirmed that both Pankaj Tripathi and his associate Narendra hail from Kaushambi and were jointly involved in supplying marijuana and other narcotics from Kaushambi to Lucknow.
Arms, Documents, and Cash Seized
A search of the scene led to the recovery of:
- A 0.315 bore country-made pistol
- Two empty cartridges
- One live round
- A motorcycle
- ₹2,050 in cash
- Important documents linked to the drug network
Investigators believe the seized documents may reveal critical details about the supply chain and the wider network operating across multiple districts.
Senior officials, including the ADCP South and ACP Mohanlalganj, reached the encounter site to review the situation.
Hunt On for Other Gang Members
The injured trafficker was taken to the hospital under police security. Authorities are now conducting raids at multiple locations to track down other members of the network.
Strong Network, Major Breakthrough
ADCP South Rallapalli Vasant Kumar stated that Pankaj Tripathi was a key supplier in the region and had been absconding in an NDPS case. Due to his extensive links and strong presence in the drug trade, a reward of ₹50,000 had been announced for his arrest.
Police officials expect significant revelations during interrogation as the gang’s operations reportedly span several districts.
The joint team involved in the operation included Sub-Inspector Manish Kumar, Head Constables Dhirendra Rai, Rajesh Yadav, A. K. Yadav, and Constable Neeraj Singh of the ANTF Lucknow unit.
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