Drug bust: Tollywood gets July 19 deadline to appear before SIT
Hyderabad: The list of prominent personalities of Tollywood who are involved in the drug racket has been increasing over the days. The Prohibition and Excise department sent notices to six more Tollywood personalities on Thursday under section 67 of the NDPS Act. Ten others had received notices earlier, on Wednesday evening. Sources said that three top actors, two actresses, two prominent directors and the kin of top producers and directors have received notices to appear before the SIT. Investigating officers said that all the 16 persons were in touch with Calvin Mascarenhas, the kingpin of the drug racket in Hyderabad city.
Some of them were in regular phone contact with him for drugs and two prominent heroes/their assistants were in contact with Calvin once or twice. All 16 have to appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed in connection with the drugs case, on or before July 19, when their statements will be taken. The investigating officers are careful to point out that this does not mean that all 16 are either accused or drug peddlers. After taking their statements we will include them among the victims or the accused, they explained. Director of Enforcement of the Prohibition and Excise department, Akun Sabharwal, said that the department will not reveal any names until it is satisfied of their guilt.
Sources said that a heroine who is not from Telangana but usually visits Hyderabad city to consume drugs, and a director from the city who visits Chennai frequently for the same purpose, are among those who got notices. This director contacted Calvin once, but another prominent director is regularly in touch with Calvin and his gang through his personal assistant. Some young heroes and character artistes, including a singer’s husband and a director-turned-hero, were also in contact with Calvin. Sources also said that the film personalities will be questioned at an undisclosed place so that their identities remain secret for the time being.
