High-Profile Drug Bust in Hyderabad: Politicians and Businessmen Caught in Raid
In a dramatic turn of events, a surprise raid by the Telangana police's Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) at a farmhouse in Moinabad, Rangareddy district, has uncovered a drug party involving prominent politicians and businessmen. The operation, conducted late Saturday night, led to the preliminary positive drug tests for five individuals, including former BRS MLA Pilot Rohit Reddy and TDP MP Putta Mahesh Kumar from Eluru, Andhra Pradesh.
Details of the Raid and Drug Recovery
Acting on a tip-off about a gathering involving narcotics, the EAGLE team arrived at the farmhouse around 9:30 pm. Visuals from the property reveal a large gated entrance, with vehicles parked across the entry and parking area, indicating a high-profile event. Approximately 10 people were present, including Rohit Reddy, MP Putta Mahesh Kumar, and several businessmen and associates. During the search, officers recovered about two grams of cocaine, a controlled substance under narcotics laws.
On-the-spot narcotics screening tests were conducted on all attendees. Police confirmed to news agency ANI that five of the ten individuals tested positive in the preliminary drug screening. The list includes:
- Rohit Reddy
- Namit Mishra
- Ritesh Reddy
- Kaushik Ravi
- Arjun Reddy
All individuals have been sent for confirmatory laboratory tests, with legal action pending the final reports. Officials noted that the quantity of drugs recovered falls under the "small quantity" category, leading to the investigation being handed over to local authorities.
Dramatic Incidents During the Operation
The raid was marked by intense moments, including alleged resistance at the gate. Sources in the police reported that security personnel at the farmhouse delayed the officers' entry, forcing the EAGLE team to call for assistance from a Special Operations Team before gaining access.
Once inside, the situation escalated when Namit Sharma, a Delhi-based real estate businessman present at the party, allegedly fired a round from a pistol. Police stated that the firearm belongs to Ritesh Reddy, the younger brother of Rohit Reddy, and holds a valid licence. However, it was Sharma who discharged the weapon as police entered the premises, adding a layer of danger to the operation.
Background and Implications
This farmhouse in Moinabad is no stranger to controversy. In October 2022, it was raided following a complaint by Rohit Reddy, leading to arrests in an alleged cash-for-defection attempt involving ruling BRS legislators. Now, with fresh allegations of drug use emerging from the same location, investigators are scrutinizing the circumstances of the gathering and the roles of those involved.
The high-profile gathering included nine men and one woman, comprising public representatives, real estate businessmen, and other businesspersons. Police emphasized that further action will be determined after detailed forensic reports and statements from the detained individuals are examined.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in drug enforcement and raises questions about the involvement of political figures in such activities. As the investigation progresses, it underscores the need for stringent measures to combat narcotics use among influential circles.
