Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh: In an astonishing crackdown that has stunned the entire state, police in Pratapgarh uncovered heaps of cash worth over ₹2 crore from the home of notorious drug trafficker Rajesh Mishra in Manikpur area. The recovery included bundles of ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, and ₹100 notes, so vast in quantity that four counting machines had to be brought in — and even then, the process took more than 20 hours to complete.
A viral video circulating on social media shows bundles of small-denomination notes scattered across a bed as policemen and women count relentlessly, wiping sweat from their faces amid the marathon operation. Along with the cash, the police also seized narcotics worth around ₹1 crore, making this one of the biggest anti-drug hauls in Pratapgarh’s history.
A Drug Empire Spanning Three Generations
Investigations revealed that Rajesh Mishra’s illegal narcotics network has been active for three generations. His father first started the trade in Manikpur’s Mundipur village, which Rajesh and later his children expanded into neighboring districts — Rae Bareli, Amethi, Kaushambi, Prayagraj, and Jaunpur. What began as a small local operation grew into a cross-district drug syndicate that has long plagued the region.
Mishra’s Family in Custody, Kingpin Still Behind Bars
Police have arrested Rajesh Mishra’s wife Reena Devi, son Vinayak, daughter Komal, and another family member Yash Kumar. Rajesh Mishra himself has been lodged in jail for several months under 14 criminal cases including drug smuggling and Gangster Act charges.
Sources said that while Rajesh was behind bars, his wife Reena — recently released from jail just 15 days ago — had been running the illegal business with the help of her children. Reena also faces six criminal cases. The family continued expanding their operations even while their patriarch remained imprisoned.
Fortress-Like Home Built with Black Money
Police said the Mishra family used its “black earnings” to fortify their residence. A new luxurious house was constructed adjacent to their old one, connected by a corridor. Every entry point was equipped with CCTV cameras, ensuring that no one could approach without being seen.
Network of Addiction Across Districts
Starting from Manikpur, the family lured locals into drug addiction by selling small amounts of cannabis and smack at cheap prices. As their profits grew, they expanded into neighboring districts, recruiting peddlers and creating a strong illegal distribution chain.
Police Call It Pratapgarh’s Largest Cash Seizure
Officials claim this is the largest-ever seizure of small-denomination currency in Pratapgarh. The operation, conducted jointly by the local police and narcotics team, marks a major success in the fight against the region’s entrenched drug mafia.
A senior officer said, “The amount of cash recovered was so massive that counting took nearly 20 hours. This raid has exposed how deeply the drug trade had spread in the area.”
As investigations continue, the Rajesh Mishra case has become a symbol of how a decades-old criminal empire thrived under the radar — until now.
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