Major Drug Bust Reveals Bollywood, Political Connections
In a shocking development that has sent ripples through Mumbai's elite circles, deported drug trafficker Mohammed Salim Mohammed Sohail Shaikh, popularly known as 'Lavish', has made startling revelations about supplying narcotics to several prominent Bollywood personalities and a former MLA. The disclosures emerged during his interrogation by the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) in connection with the massive Rs 252-crore Sangli mephedrone seizure case.
High-Profile Names Surface in Drug Investigation
According to senior ANC officials, Lavish's detailed statement during interrogation has prompted the agency to begin verification processes for multiple film industry personalities and a former legislator from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). "We are in the process of verifying all the details and may summon the individuals concerned for questioning," confirmed a senior ANC officer involved in the investigation.
The drug trafficker, who was brought back from Dubai in October and arrested in connection with the massive narcotics case, allegedly organized and supplied drugs at exclusive parties held at private bungalows in Mumbai's western suburbs and at luxury clubs abroad. Among those reportedly present at these gatherings were well-known Bollywood actresses, their family members including one actress's brother, a filmmaker, and the former MLA from the suburbs.
International Drug Network Unraveled
Investigators have revealed that Lavish served as the right-hand man to drug lord Salim Dola, overseeing the manufacturing of mephedrone across at least seven Indian states. The police had previously managed to get Dola's son, Taher, and nephew, Mustafa Kubbawala, deported earlier this year between June and July.
Sources indicate that Salim Dola, the main accused with alleged links to the Dawood Ibrahim gang, is currently suspected to be hiding in Turkey after relocating from the UAE following the deportation of his close relatives. The international drug network was allegedly operated from Dubai with assistance from Dola's son, nephew, and Lavish, along with several other accomplices who remain wanted by authorities.
Chronology of Arrests and Investigations
The case originated in August 2022 when the Ghatkopar unit of the ANC arrested Mohammed Shahrukh Shaikh from Nagpada and seized 995 grams of mephedrone worth approximately Rs two crore. Subsequent investigations led to three more arrests in the case.
The breakthrough came when the fifth accused, Salman Saleem Shaikh alias Shera Batla, was deported from Dubai in the first week of November based on a Red Corner Notice. During interrogation, Salman revealed Lavish's involvement, leading to his custody on November 5, making him the sixth accused in the case. The police later arrested the seventh accused, Mohammed Sharib Mohammed Iqbal Ansari.
According to current police assessments, at least seven to eight accused remain wanted in the case, including Salim Dola, Govind Piramsongh Sunar, Mohammed Mustafa Khwaja Sheikh, and Nagesh Ramchandra Shinde alias Pravin. The ANC continues to expand its investigation as more details emerge about the sophisticated drug network that spanned multiple states and international borders.
