Indian-Origin Michelin Star Restaurateur Admits to Spiking Woman's Drink in London Nightclub
Vikas Nath, an Indian-origin businessman and proprietor of multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, has confessed to spiking a woman's beverage at an exclusive Mayfair nightclub two years ago. The disturbing incident unfolded on January 15, 2024, at the prestigious Annabel's club in London's Post Mayfair district.
Nightclub Staff Witnesses Suspicious Actions
According to court proceedings, attentive staff members at Annabel's observed Vikas Nath engaging in rather strange behavior while seated alone at a table. The employees witnessed Nath using a straw to extract liquid from a concealed bottle before dripping the substance into the woman's margarita cocktail.
The alert staff immediately replaced the contaminated drink and notified senior management, who subsequently contacted law enforcement authorities. The woman was promptly informed that her beverage had been tampered with, preventing potential harm.
Substance Identified as Controlled Date-Rape Drug
Forensic analysis revealed the added substance to be gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), commonly referred to as a date-rape drug due to its powerful sedative effects. GBL is classified as a controlled Class B substance in the United Kingdom, carrying significant legal restrictions on possession and use.
Prosecutor Tim Clark detailed how Nath attempted to conceal evidence after realizing he had been discovered. "Prior to police arrival, Mr. Nath clearly worked out that he had been rumbled," Clark stated. "He tried to hide the evidence by going to the lavatory and disposing of the small bottle in the cistern, where police later recovered it floating."
Defendant's Controversial Explanation
While admitting to spiking the drink, Vikas Nath has vehemently denied any sexual intentions behind his actions. The restaurateur claimed he added the substance to help the woman "relax" during their evening out.
During police interviews following the January 2024 incident, Nath provided a questionable explanation for possessing GBL. He stated he had obtained the chemical as a cleaning fluid for high-performance automobiles and had been informed by an acquaintance that it could be consumed with alcohol as a relaxant. Nath further claimed ignorance regarding the illegal status of possessing GBL in the United Kingdom.
Victim's Shocking Reaction and Previous Relationship
The court heard emotional testimony from the woman involved, who revealed she had met Vikas Nath approximately five to six times before the troubling incident. She described Nath as appearing genuinely concerned about her wellbeing, often paying for their lunches and coming across as caring and generous.
"He came across as he cared for me and it was nice," the woman testified. "I never thought he would have made a physical move on me so I felt safe with him." Ironically, she recalled that Nath had previously warned her about the dangers of drink spiking at social venues.
In a surprising twist, the woman initially defended Nath after learning about the incident, sending him a message stating, "I'm sorry, I don't know what's happening." She explained, "I remember vividly defending Mr. Nath, saying 'There is no way he could do that.' Because I felt it was my fault. I didn't want him in trouble, I didn't believe it."
Business Profile of the Accused
Vikas Nath serves as director of the Michelin-starred Benares restaurant located in Mayfair, London. His culinary empire extends beyond the United Kingdom, encompassing several high-end dining establishments in Spain as well. The case has sent shockwaves through London's exclusive restaurant and nightlife circles, raising questions about safety in premium social venues.
The legal proceedings continue as authorities examine the full implications of this serious offense committed by a prominent figure in the international culinary scene.
