Investigation into a ₹252-crore narcotics case recently unearthed several Bollywood links, with Siddhanth Kapoor appearing for questioning on Tuesday. The brother of actor Shraddha Kapoor was summoned for questioning by the Anti-Narcotics Cell after a key accused named him during interrogation.
Social media personality Orhan Awatramani alias ‘Orry’ has been asked to record his statement on November 26 as he failed to appear before the authorities last week.
What is the ₹252 crore drug case all about & how are the two linked to it?
According to PTI, the investigation originates from a bust in March 2024 at synthetic stimulant drug mephedrone manufacturing facility in Maharashtra’s Sangli district, where drugs worth ₹252 crore were seized.
Siddhanth’s name surfaced during the interrogation of Mohammad Salim Mohammad Suhail Shaikh, a key accused who was deported from Dubai and arrested in Mumbai, Hindustan Times reported.
Shaikh claimed to have organised lavish parties attended by several high-profile personalities, including Siddhanth, Orry, actress Nora Fatehi, filmmakers Abbas-Mustan, rapper Loka, and politician Zeeshan Siddique.
‘BMWs, Mercedes used to transport drugs’
The drug network, linked to Salim Dola, a key member of the Dawood Ibrahim gang, and his relatives, allegedly used luxury vehicles like BMWs and Mercedes to transport narcotics, to avoid suspicion.
The raw materials for producing mephedrone were sourced from Surat, with the main manufacturing taking place in Sangli and the trafficked drugs were distributed primarily to Mumbai’s Mira Road area.
The operation involved hawala channels through Dubai for sending money collected from distributors, indicating a well-organised syndicate with cross-border elements, an officer told Hindustan Times.
Siddhanth, others deny involvement in case
Siddhanth Kapoor and others named have denied direct involvement in drug trafficking. Siddhanth’s father, veteran actor Shakti Kapoor, has also publicly rejected these allegations.
The Mumbai Police and ANC remain at a preliminary stage in verifying all claims and are conducting a thorough investigation into the case, Hindustan Times reported quoting an ANC officer.