Shock waves in Tollywood: 3 linked with drugs

​Hyderabad: Investigation into the sensational drugs racket, which has exposed the underbelly of glamour world of Tollywood in 2017, has reached the final stage.  A few of the prominent names from the cine industry, including a director and two actors figured in the fresh charge-sheet. The names of the trio will be revealed shortly.

The Department of Excise and Prohibition has tightened the noose around these three individuals against whom four charge-sheets were filed. The development comes in the light of Forensic Science Lab (FSL) reports which nailed down the trio whose samples were found to contain traces of narcotic substance. The lab report of two of these is said to have already been submitted to the court.

It may be mentioned here that the Excise officials busted a major drug racket in the beginning of July 2017. The investigation into the drug racket led to questioning of celebrities of Tollywood for the first time. Puri Jagannadh, Charmee Kaur, Ravi Teja, cinematographer Shyam K Naidu, Tarun, Mumaith Khan, Tanish, singer Ananda Krishna Nandu, art director Chinna N Dharmarao and Navdeep were amongst the well-known faces that came under the scanner of excise authorities. 

Excise officers, who issued notices to these celebrities, summoned and questioned following information provided by drug-peddlers.According to the latest reports, out of the nearly dozen samples of Tollywood personalities that were sent for forensic lab, by Excise Department, three were tested positive. 

The Excise officials, however, remained tight-lipped in revealing the names of the celebrities against who charge-sheet has been filed. Till now, 22 persons were arrested in 12 cases, while 62 persons, including personalities linked to Tollywood were questioned.