SIT Investigation Uncovers Drug Use in High-Profile Moinabad Bust
In a significant development in the Moinabad drug bust case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) announced on Tuesday that blood tests of Andhra Pradesh TDP MP Putta Mahesh Kumar have detected the presence of two synthetic substances: amphetamine and methamphetamine. According to officials, this finding strongly indicates the possible consumption of MDMA, a party drug commonly associated with these compounds.
Widespread Drug Use Among Accused Revealed
Deputy Commissioner of Police Yogesh Goutam, a member of the nine-member SIT, disclosed that six out of the eleven individuals accused in the case have tested positive for drug consumption. The list includes prominent figures such as former BRS MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy, his brother Ritesh Reddy, Kaushik Ravi, and Arjun Reddy, all of whom tested positive for cocaine. Additionally, Delhi-based businessman Namit Sharma tested positive for cocaine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine, while MP Mahesh Kumar's results showed methamphetamine and amphetamine.
An official involved in the investigation stated, "Any person who uses MDMA tests positive for these synthetic substances. In this case, we suspect the TDP MP consumed MDMA." This sentiment was echoed by senior officials from the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE), who are part of the SIT, confirming that such test results typically point to MDMA use.
Legal Actions and Investigation Timeline
The SIT was formally constituted on Tuesday by Telangana Director General of Police B Shivadhar Reddy, who directed the team to conduct an in-depth probe into all aspects of the offense. In a clear order, the DGP mandated that the SIT "go to the bottom of the case" and file a chargesheet within three months, emphasizing the urgency and seriousness of the investigation.
Currently, Rohith Reddy, Ritesh Reddy, and their associate Sharma are in judicial remand. Authorities have filed a petition before a local court seeking their custody to gather further evidence, highlighting the ongoing efforts to build a robust case.
Escalation to Attempt to Murder Charges
In a dramatic turn of events, police have invoked Section 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following an incident during the raid at Rohith Reddy's farmhouse in Moinabad on the night of March 14. According to DCP Goutam, Sharma allegedly fired three shots to deter the police team from entering the premises, with indications that Rohith Reddy and Ritesh provoked the action. When officers announced their arrival and proceeded to enter, Sharma fired an additional round towards them, leading to the serious charge.
DCP Goutam explained, "Sharma fired three shots to deter our team from entering the farmhouse. It appears that Rohith Reddy and Ritesh provoked him to fire, and when our team entered after loudly announcing their arrival, he again fired one more round towards the police team. That's why an attempt to murder section was also added."
Additional Legal Measures and Charges
In response to the incident, Moinabad police are considering writing to the Cyberabad police commissioner to recommend the cancellation of the arms license issued to Ritesh Reddy, citing the gravity of the latest case. The eleven accused, including the ex-MLA and the Eluru MP, have been booked under multiple statutes: the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, the Arms Act, the Excise Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the alleged crimes.
This case continues to unfold as the SIT delves deeper into the connections and evidence, aiming to bring all perpetrators to justice within the stipulated timeframe.
