Sandalwood drug racket: Ragini Dwivedi summoned by crime branch

Bengaluru, 3-Sep-2020

Kannada actress Ragini Dwivedi has been summoned by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) and she will appear before them today. The CCB has been investigating drug dealing and substance abuse by Sandalwood actors. The actress' friend, Ravi, was arrested by the cops recently. When they enquired him, they got information about Ragini Dwivedi. Hence, the CCB has issued a notice to her asking her to join the investigation. Ragini will be questioned about her involvement in the drug racket. On August 21, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested drug peddlers, who have been supplying drugs to artists in the Kannada film industry. It is reported that they have confiscated the diary of one of the accused which contains names of celebrities and models in the state. Following this, director Indrajit Lankesh made explosive statements regarding the case and volunteered to expose the celebrities who are involved in this. Indrajit was then called to CCB where his statement was taken. He is said to have given a few names of people involved in the drug racket. Sandeep Patil, Joint Commissioner of Crime Branch said, "We will call him again and give him an opportunity to give evidence or material to support his statement. Also, at the same time, CCB also would do our enquiry to collect evidence." On Wednesday, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce convened a meeting and said that the film body will take action against actors who are proven guilty. President of Film Chamber, Jairaj, said that no producer would hire actors who are involved in the racket. Jairaj added, "No producer will hire them, we won't ban them. But, there will be a non-cooperation movement. We have no information about actors consuming drugs. Police will investigate it. If actors have consumed drugs in parties, it's up to the police to look into it." In the days to come, CCB is likely to summon more actors, artists and models to question them in relation to the drug racket case.