Hyderabad Doctor Apprehended in Moinabad Farmhouse Drug Bust Case
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Hyderabad has made a significant arrest in connection with the high-profile Moinabad farmhouse drug bust. Authorities have apprehended a city-based doctor, an interventional radiologist who operates a hospital in the upscale Banjara Hills area. According to police statements, the doctor is accused of allegedly supplying MDMA to other individuals involved in the case, who were partying at a farmhouse owned by former BRS MLA Rohith Reddy.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
On March 18, the doctor was picked up from a rented residence in Jubilee Hills, Road No. 35, which he had reportedly leased for Rs 60,000 per month. An SIT source revealed that while the doctor owns a house in Ameerpet, the Jubilee Hills flat was being used for hosting parties. Notably, no drugs were found in his possession during the arrest, and he tested negative in a comprehensive 12-panel urine drug test. As a result, he was released after being served a notice but has been directed to appear for further questioning as required by the investigation.
An SIT official stated, "The doctor is a friend of Rohith and runs a hospital in Banjara Hills. On the day of the gathering, the contraband was collected from him by Ather, who is the driver of Koushik Ravi, one of the 11 accused in the case." This connection highlights the doctor's alleged role in the drug supply chain, with Ather believed to have transported the MDMA from the doctor to the farmhouse venue.
Background of the Moinabad Raid and Accused
The case originated on March 14, when the SIT, in collaboration with the Future City police, conducted a raid at the Moinabad farmhouse, leading to the arrest of 11 individuals. Drug tests conducted on the accused revealed that five of them—Rohith Reddy, his brother Ritesh, Delhi-based businessman Namit Sharma, Rohith's friend and pub operator Arjun Reddy, and Bengaluru-based advocate and businessman Koushik Ravi—had consumed cocaine. Additionally, TDP MP P. Mahesh Kumar tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine, which are suspected to be MDMA.
Police further disclosed that Namit Sharma tested positive for multiple drugs and allegedly opened fire at the police using a licensed weapon belonging to Ritesh during the incident. An SIT official added, "During their three-day custody, Rohith, Ritesh, and Namit did not disclose the doctor's identity. However, phone call records between Rohith and the doctor, along with statements from other accused, helped establish his role in the case."
Ongoing Efforts and Legal Proceedings
In the aftermath of the arrest, the police issued the doctor a notice under Section 35(3) of the BNSS, directing him to cooperate with the investigation as required. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to apprehend three absconding accused individuals: Rakesh Varma, Abhishek Singh, and Ather. Investigations suggest that Rohith's driver, Sharat, collected the contraband from Abhishek, an associate of Rakesh, and transported it to the farmhouse, further complicating the supply network.
SIT officials have also sought an extension of the custody of Rohith, Ritesh, and Namit. The Rajendranagar court has posted the matter for arguments on Monday and sent the trio back to Chanchalguda prison in judicial remand until April 8, indicating that the legal proceedings are far from over.
This case underscores the ongoing crackdown on drug-related activities in Hyderabad, with authorities diligently pursuing all leads to ensure justice is served.
