In a bizarre turn of events, a couple from Sikkim was arrested in Bengaluru for cultivating cannabis plants at their home, which they claimed were grown purely for decorative purposes. The couple, identified as Urmila Kumari and Sagar Gurung, residents of MSR Nagar, were the owners of a fast food hotel in the locality.
The couple’s legal trouble began after Urmila uploaded a video reel on Instagram showing the plants on her balcony among other decorative flowers. The video caught the attention of local youths, who raised the alarm about the presence of cannabis plants. Acting on the tip-off, Sadashivanagar police launched an investigation and discovered 54 grams of cannabis plants that the couple had cultivated illegally.
Upon inspection of their residence, police found the cannabis plants hidden within a flower pot on the balcony, which also contained other ornamental plants. Despite the illegal cultivation of cannabis, it was clear that the couple was not using the plants for consumption. They explained that the plants were grown for aesthetic purposes and as part of their decorative garden, which also featured 20 other non-controversial plants.
Though the couple had no intention to consume or sell the cannabis, their actions were in violation of the law, which prohibits the cultivation of cannabis for any purpose without proper licenses. The police seized the plants and took them into custody. The investigation into the couple’s activities was sparked by Urmila’s social media post. In the video, filmed on the balcony of their MSR Nagar home, she showcased several plants, including cannabis, growing alongside other flowering plants. While Urmila seemed to take pride in her unique garden, the video quickly garnered the attention of concerned locals, who alerted the authorities.
When the police arrived to inspect the house, Urmila was tipped off by her sister about the impending search. In a swift move, Urmila disposed of the cannabis plants by throwing them into a nearby trash bin. However, the police later recovered the plants from the bin during their search, leading to the couple’s arrest.
Urmila and Sagar were arrested on charges of illegal cultivation of cannabis. However, following their arrest, the couple was released on bail. The police have issued a strong warning to the couple, advising them not to engage in any further illegal cultivation of narcotic plants.
The authorities have emphasized that while the couple did not appear to have malicious intentions, growing cannabis, even for ornamental purposes, remains a legal violation. Cannabis is classified as a narcotic substance under Indian law, and its cultivation is only permitted for certain medical and research purposes with government authorization.
While the couple’s case may seem unusual, it highlights a growing trend of cannabis being used as a decorative plant in some urban homes, especially among those interested in alternative or herbal gardening. However, authorities have warned the public that growing cannabis, regardless of the intended use, is illegal without the proper government clearance.
With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram, where people often share glimpses of their lifestyles and hobbies, such incidents may become more common as online attention can sometimes lead to unintended scrutiny.
In this case, police have advised people to refrain from growing cannabis or sharing images of such plants online unless they are fully aware of the legal implications involved.