Surat Drug Case Mastermind Chirag Goti Surrenders in Court After Supreme Court Directive
In a significant development in the Surat drug seizure case, the alleged mastermind, Chirag Goti, finally surrendered in a Surat court on Monday. This follows a directive from the Supreme Court, which granted him two weeks to turn himself in during his brother's bail hearing. Police are expected to present Chirag in court tomorrow and request his remand for further interrogation.
Background of the Case: 70g Mephedrone Seizure Near Gurukul
The case dates back to 10 months ago when Singanpor police, under the jurisdiction of the Singanpor police station, seized 70 grams of mephedrone worth approximately Rs 7 lakh near Ved Road Gurukul. The initial arrest was made of Alpesh Miyani, a resident near Katargam Hathi Mandir, who was caught with the drugs.
However, during the investigation, a shocking twist emerged. Police uncovered that Miyani had been framed, and the drug planting was orchestrated by his business partner, Chirag Goti, along with Chirag's brother, Nirant Goti, and their father, Ghanshyam Goti. This revelation shifted the focus of the probe, leading to a manhunt for the key suspects.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Following the investigation, ACP Z R Desai and his team took swift action. They arrested Nirant Goti from Radheshyam Society and Mohammed Hamza, also known as Rizwan Badshah, from Lal Gate in Shahpore. A chargesheet was subsequently filed against both individuals, while Chirag Goti and the alleged drug seller, Mohammed Safwan Mohammed Ishaq Mewawala, were declared 'wanted' and remained at large.
Nirant Goti's legal battles began with a bail application in the Surat sessions court, which was denied. He then approached the Gujarat High Court, where his plea was also rejected. Undeterred, he moved to the Supreme Court for bail. During the Supreme Court hearing, it was submitted that Chirag was the primary orchestrator of the crime and had been absconding for eight months. The court granted Nirant a date for his bail application and, crucially, gave Chirag two weeks to surrender.
Chirag Goti's Surrender and Motive Behind the Crime
Complying with the Supreme Court's directive, Chirag Goti surrendered in a Surat court in the presence of his advocate, Ketan Reshamwala. The court handed him over to police custody, and authorities are expected to seek his remand for interrogation on Tuesday to uncover further details of the case.
The motive behind the drug planting stems from a business dispute. Chirag and Miyani were partners in an oil business, but their relationship soured after their company was raided for GST issues in December 2024. This led to the sealing of oil stocks and their eventual separation. Police investigations found that Chirag, nursing a grudge, allegedly planted the drugs in Miyani's car to frame him. To evade police action, Chirag had reportedly fled to Nepal, but the Supreme Court's order compelled his return and surrender.
This case highlights the complexities of drug-related crimes and the legal processes involved in bringing suspects to justice. With Chirag Goti now in custody, authorities aim to complete the investigation and ensure all involved face the full extent of the law.
