Deoria: Street Vendors Befriend Minor, Flee With Jewellery Worth ₹85 Lakh After Offering Momos

In a startling incident from Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh, three unidentified street vendors allegedly befriended a minor boy and duped him into handing over jewellery worth nearly ₹85 lakh, using momos as bait. The police have registered a case and launched a search operation to trace the accused.

According to police officials, the incident took place in the Rampur Karkhana police station area, where the victim’s father, Vimlesh Mishra, lodged a complaint. Mishra, who works as a priest at a temple in Varanasi, stated that three young men operating a momo cart at Dumri Chauraha on the Deoria–Kasya road gradually developed a friendship with his school-going son.

Jewellery Handed Over in Exchange for Food

The accused allegedly offered momos to the Class 7 student on multiple occasions and eventually convinced him to hand over gold and silver jewellery kept at home, claiming it to be part of a casual exchange. The minor reportedly brought the jewellery from the family’s almirah and gave it to the vendors.

The matter came to light when the boy’s sister later asked for her jewellery. Upon checking the almirah, the family found the ornaments missing. When questioned, the minor revealed that he had given the jewellery to the momo vendors.

Jewellery Belonged to Siblings

The complainant stated that the stolen jewellery belonged to both his son and daughter, and its estimated value is around ₹85 lakh. Following the revelation, the family immediately approached the police.

Police Action Underway

Confirming the incident, Station House Officer Devendra Kumar Singh said that an FIR has been registered, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the absconding accused. “We are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and conducting raids at possible locations. A detailed investigation is in progress,” the SHO said.

The incident has raised concerns about child vulnerability and manipulation by criminals, prompting police to urge parents to remain vigilant and educate children about such risks.