Is Bollywood's Glittering World Linked to a Drug Network?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- High-profile Bollywood celebrities are implicated in a drug trafficking scandal.
- A significant breakthrough in the investigation has occurred with the arrest of a key suspect.
- The drug network is valued at Rs 252 crore.
- Authorities suspect money laundering through hawala networks.
- Upcoming interrogations of involved individuals are expected.
Mumbai, Nov 13 - In a shocking turn of events that has sent tremors through the glamorous realm of Bollywood, numerous high-profile actors and personalities have been implicated in connection with extravagant drug parties allegedly orchestrated by a key suspect tied to a staggering Rs 252 crore mephedrone trafficking network. Notable figures such as Shraddha Kapoor, her sibling Siddhanth Kapoor, dancer-actress Nora Fatehi, politician Zeeshan Siddiqui (son of veteran Congress leader Baba Siddique), Alishah Parkar (the late Haseena Parkar's son), producer Abbas Mustan, and rapper Loka have all been identified in police documents.
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has reported a crucial advancement in this extensive drug investigation, following the recent deportation and arrest of key suspect Mohammed Salim Mohammed Suhail Shaikh from Dubai, marking the 15th arrest in the ongoing inquiry that traces back to a minor bust in February 2024.
Sources close to the investigation reveal that Shaikh, a 31-year-old from Dongri and alleged associate of underworld drug lord Salim Dola, linked to the Dawood Ibrahim syndicate, has made explosive disclosures during questioning, implicating several Bollywood stars and influential figures in lavish drug-fueled gatherings held both in India and overseas.
He has allegedly named actors Shraddha Kapoor and Siddhanth Kapoor, Nora Fatehi, politician Zeeshan Siddiqui, Alishah Parkar, producer Abbas Mustan, and rapper Loka among others as participants in these events.
According to police documents, these gatherings, frequently held at upscale locations or private estates, were financed by drug profits and acted as networking hubs for distribution, with Shaikh managing everything from recruiting dealers to supplying drugs directly.
The case is under joint scrutiny by the Mumbai Crime Branch and the Enforcement Directorate, which suspects that profits from drug trafficking were laundered into legitimate businesses through hawala networks and real estate ventures.
Authorities have indicated that in the coming days, all high-profile individuals associated with this case will be called in for thorough questioning.
The investigation has further revealed that drug parties hosted by Tahir extended beyond Mumbai and Goa, with many events taking place in Dubai and Thailand, where supplies were funneled through Indian-origin businessmen.