The big development in the ongoing Sandalwood drug scandal investigation was, no doubt, the arrest of
actress Ragini Dwivedi
, under various sections of
the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act
, on Friday. While the events of the day — starting with a raid at her place that culminated in the arrest — made up most headlines, what’s also noteworthy is the ‘stunned silence’ from the Kannada film industry. No messages of any kind — for or against — have made it to social media from anyone associated with Sandalwood. An industry observer says, “This seems to be directly linked to the fact that around 15 names from the industry are allegedly under the radar. No one wants to speak up, given that someone they know could possibly be the next one up for questioning.”
Meanwhile, another high-profile arrest for the day was that of popular party organiser
Viren Khanna
.
Filmmaker
Indrajit Lankesh hails police action in case
“We have to appreciate
the Joint Commissioner Police
, Crime, and his entire team for the amazing work they are doing. They are not wasting a minute or giving an inch in their investigation. I want to thank him on behalf of the industry for telling young people what will happen if they indulge in drug abuse, it’s a good lesson,” says Indrajit Lankesh.
The scandal so far...
August 31: Filmmaker Indrajit Lankesh pulls the lid off in the scandal, turning whistleblower for the city police and providing them with names and details of members of the Kannada film industry involved with drugs.
September 3: Ragini Dwivedi is the first high-profile name to come up in the course of the investigation and is called in for inquiry. She does not turn up and sends word that she will come on September 7, Monday.
September 4: Raid at Ragini’s house at daybreak. An illegal amount of a certain substance allegedly uncovered. Actress is brought in to the CCB office and, after hours of interrogation, arrested. She is produced before a judge and remanded to three-day police custody.
Sharmiela Mandre named in speculative reportage; actress rubbishes allegations.
Party organiser Viren Khanna apprehended in Delhi and brought to Bengaluru.