Drug Scandal: Charge Sheet To Be Filed Against T’wood Celebs Soon?:- The Special Investigation Team of Telangana Excise and Prohibition Enforcement is ready to file charge sheets against the Tollywood celebrities, who were earlier questioned by the team in the drug scandal case.

To be recalled, the drug case which was started a few months back had shook the Telugu film industry. A major drug racket was busted by the excise officials. High-end drugs like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and methylenedioxy- methamphetamine (MDMA) were supplied to people in the corporate sector, students and celebrities. The police had reportedly identified film personalities who may have been involved in the drug racket either in the capacity of a consumer or supplier. In this regard, many film actors, actresses, directors and other personalities were questioned.

About 15 celebrities were served notices to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Excise department for questioning. And at least 11 of the biggest names in Telugu cinema were confirmed to be part of the drug investigation, which was led by Enforcement Director Akun Sabharwal. Based on the details they gathered from the kingpin of Hyderabad drug racket Calvin Mascarenhas, the celebrities were summoned by the officials. Mascarenhas, was arrested during the raid earlier this year.

On July 19, the questioning of celebrities had started and eventually ended on July 27. The samples of hair, blood and nail were also collected by the officials, for the purpose of forensic examination from these celebrities. The film celebrities who were in the dock were Director Puri Jagannadh, Cinematographer Shyam K Naidu, Actor P Subbaraju, Actor Tarun, Actor Pallapollu Navdeep, Actress Charmee Kaur, Dancer Mumaith Khan, Actor Ravi Teja, Actor Tanish, singer Ananda Krishna Nandu, art director Chinna N Dharmarao.

According to the report published in a leading news paper, the forensic report has been received by the investigating team and investigation is complete. So far, 13 accused have been arrested by the investigating team. The arrests of some more personalities are also expected.

Director of Excise and Enforcement, Akun Sabharwal had been reportedly issued instructions by Telangana CM, KCR for speeding up the investigations. The SIT might not file charge sheets against all the personalities who were called for questioning, due to lack of evidence, reported a leading news channel. However, it remains to be seen whether charge sheet would be filed amid monsoon session of TS Assembly.

SUPRAJA