Aryann Santhosh opens up about his interrogation at the CCB office in the Sandalwood drug scandal

The Sandalwood drug scandal has, quite literally, shaken up the Kannada film and television industry, what with some members apprehended by the police and many others being called in for inquiry in the case. Actor and anchor Aryann Santosh was interrogated for four hours by Central Crime Branch officials; an experience that he says has changed him. Excerpts...
When you were called for inquiry, did it take you by surprise or were you expecting it, considering that your former business partner is an accused in the case?
I was shocked and I did panic, but I had to face facts — one of the accused was my marketing partner.He used to market various retreat properties for parties and my property was also listed. This apart, my association with the other actors named in the case was also why I was called for inquiry.
What was the deal with your property?
I had specified that the property be let out only for family gatherings, photoshoots or birthdays with a maximum of 10 people at any given point of time. I also insisted that my housekeeping staff be present during any such gathering. Over time, we had disagreements and arguments on the number of people coming into the villa, which culminated with the 2019 New Year party, when he crossed the line with respect to the number of people at the property. I then ended the business relationship with him.
So, what happened at the CCB office?
The CCB officers are calling people to get to the root of the problem and find the big players who are supplying prohibited substances. My role is to contribute any information that I have. They also asked for my phone, which has been returned to me, to access the call records and messages. I haven’t deleted a single message in the last three years. In fact, anyone who is called in by the CCB should not panic or think they can outsmart the system by deleting messages and calls. They should come forward and be a part of the system. If I am called again by CCB, I will cooperate, as it sends out a positive message. It is time to clean up the system.
How was the experience for you?
The call from the CCB was the biggest wake up call for me and a learning curve as well. Going forward, I am going to be careful about who I do business with or who I bring along with me for parties. You never really know who you are socialising with at these parties.
Have people around you started seeing or treating you differently?
The experience has been difficult and traumatic for my parents. And yes, I have had neighbours ask if the rice sacks in our garage actually had rice or anything else. I understand the mood, but yes, the way people look at you changes because of how we are portrayed on TV channels, which is often based on misinformation.
What is the mood in the industry right now? Do you think this case will affect work relationships?
Let’s be clear, this case is not just about the Kannada film or TV industry. But, yes there is shift in mood based on the associations people had with those under the CCB’s radar. There are fellow actors and industry friends who have been supportive and are confident that their friends will come out of it unscathed, while another lot believes in cleaning up the system. By and large, I don’t think it will affect work relationships. But it is a great time to mend one’s ways and let the cops help clean the system.