Kanpur: In a major late-night crackdown, Kanpur police busted a high-profile rave party operating under the name ‘Sonic Shift’, exposing widespread drug consumption among affluent youth. According to Dainik Bhaskar report, around 140 young men and women – including students from prestigious institutions such as IIT – were found in an intoxicated state during the raid conducted in the early hours of Saturday.
The operation, led by trainee IPS officer Sumit Sudhakar Ramteke of the 2022 batch, has drawn attention to the growing nexus of narcotics and elite party culture in urban India. Ramteke is currently posted as Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in the Kanpur Nagar Police Commissionerate.
Venue and Attendees: Elite Gathering Turns Into Drug Bust
The rave party was being held at Stella Naomi Club located in NRI City, Kanpur. According to police officials, the attendees included youths not only from Kanpur but also from Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Many participants were linked to reputed educational institutions, raising concerns over drug use among educated urban youth.
By the time the police struck – around 2:30 AM – the party was in full swing, with loud music, flashing visuals, and widespread consumption of intoxicants.
Instagram Invites and ₹1,000 Entry Fee
Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal, a 1997-batch IPS officer, revealed that invitations for the party were being circulated via Instagram for several days prior to the event. The entry fee was fixed at ₹1,000 per person.
Acting on intelligence inputs regarding the use of high-end narcotics, the Special Operations Group (SOG) initiated a covert operation. Two police personnel entered the party undercover after purchasing entry passes like regular attendees.
Undercover Operation Led to Midnight Raid
Once inside, the undercover officers confirmed the use of drugs and alerted backup teams. The police then conducted a coordinated raid, sealing the venue and preventing any escape.
As officers stormed the club, panic broke out among attendees. Many attempted to flee, but the main gate had already been secured. All individuals present were escorted out one by one.
Drugs Recovered: LSD, Cocaine, Ganja and More
During the raid, police recovered a range of narcotic substances and paraphernalia, including:
- 0.15 grams of LSD
- 1.19 grams of cocaine
- 23.47 grams of ganja (marijuana)
- 5.49 grams of charas (hashish)
- 0.60 grams of hashish oil
- Crushers, smoking filters, and 5 grinders
- ₹49,000 in cash
Authorities confirmed that all seized substances are commonly used for intoxication at rave parties.
Organiser and Drug Supplier Arrested
Police identified the organiser as Mohd. Fardeen alias ‘Gumti’, a resident of Jajmau and reportedly involved in the leather trade. The alleged drug supplier, Mohit Jaiswal, a hardware businessman from near Sant Nagar intersection, was also arrested.
Investigations revealed that Mohit Jaiswal had sourced LSD from Pushkar in Rajasthan specifically for distribution at the event.
Both accused have been sent to jail following their arrest.
How LSD Was Used to Amplify the Party Experience
According to police findings, Mohit Jaiswal was actively distributing LSD among partygoers. Large LED screens, projectors, and vibrant posters were strategically placed to enhance the hallucinogenic experience.
Under the influence of LSD, attendees were seen staring at changing visuals on screens while dancing to DJ music. The constantly shifting images and lighting effects intensified the drug’s psychological impact.
What is LSD and Its Effects?
LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that alters perception, mood, and cognitive processes. Often consumed through small paper tabs, its effects begin within 15–30 minutes and can last for several hours.
Users experience distorted reality, including seeing and hearing things that do not exist—a phenomenon commonly known as a “trip.” Colors, lights, and sounds appear unusually vivid, often increasing attraction to music and visual stimuli.
Police Action Under ‘Operation White Powder’
The raid is part of Kanpur police’s ongoing anti-narcotics initiative codenamed ‘Operation White Powder’, aimed at dismantling drug networks and curbing substance abuse in the city.
Following the incident, police teams conducted raids at several other clubs suspected of similar activities.
Attendees Released with Warning
While the organisers and supplier were arrested, the remaining attendees were issued strict warnings and later released. Authorities emphasized that stronger action could follow if such activities are repeated.
Who is IPS Sumit Sudhakar Ramteke?
IPS Ramteke’s leadership in this high-profile operation highlights the proactive approach of young officers in tackling organized drug abuse and illegal party circuits.
He is a 2022-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, who gained national recognition after securing All India Rank 358 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2021.
Hailing from Yavatmal, Maharashtra, he was motivated to join the IPS by a desire to contribute to society and a strong inclination toward uniformed services. He has emphasized the role of police as first responders in crises and as key agents of effective crime control. Known for his disciplined preparation, his journey and answer copies have inspired many UPSC aspirants.
He has previously trained at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy and worked as ACP (Under Training) in Bilhaur, where he earned recognition for community policing. As a Regular Recruit (RR) officer of the 2022 batch, he has been involved in significant law enforcement efforts and is known for his professionalism and accountability.
Notably, in 2025, he took strict action against misconduct by off-duty constables, reinforcing discipline within the force. He is widely appreciated for his approachable leadership style and commitment to public service.
Concerning Trend
The Kanpur rave party bust has exposed a concerning trend of drug use among affluent and educated youth, facilitated through social media platforms and organized networks. With operations like Operation White Powder, authorities aim to send a clear message against narcotics while tightening surveillance on similar high-profile gatherings.
Read Also: ‘Not a New Practice’: Supreme Court Backs ECI Transfer of Bengal IAS/IPS Officers Amid Elections
