Sandalwood exposed: Dirty business in Karnataka is now in the open

A few days back, popular director and journalist Indrajit Lankesh had talked about the rising drug usage in Sandalwood. The director also named 15 industry personals who are allegedly involved in drug usage and other illicit narcotics business. Following the revelations from Indrajit Lokesh, the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch arrested actress Ragini Dwivedi.

The arrest of Ragini Dwivedi has literally shocked the people, and it has blown the lid off Bengaluru’s party scene. Before Ragini’s arrest, CCB officers have nabbed Ravishankar, her close friend, and he is also a known name in the city’s party circuits.

According to investigation officers, the usage of drugs in night parties will not be visible at first glance, and all you see will be alcoholic beverages and cigarettes. Narcotics usage usually happens in private parties with a closed guest list. Most of these parties are usually hosted in five-star hotels and swanky places.

“This is a big network of drug peddling and consumption. There are people like Viren Khanna who organise these high-end parties and give a platform for drug consumption. There are celebrities like film actresses and other people who go there and consume drugs. Then there are drug suppliers like Ravi and Rahul, who peddle drugs brought from foreigners,” said Sandip Patil, Joint Commissioner of Police, Crime.

In the meantime, several people have started criticising the investigation team for arresting Ragini alone when they have a list of 15 people who are allegedly involved in the drug racket. According to these skeptics, Ragini is a soft target, and that is why she is being summoned alone.

“Did Lankesh’s list have names of heroes? So far, only the names of three heroines have been discussed. It looks like only women actors are being targeted. Why not summon the heroes if their names feature on the list?” said Vijayalakshmi Singh, a popular Kannada filmmaker.

Kavita Lankesh, sister of Indrajit Lankesh also said that the police should have maintained decorum while dealing with Ragini Dwivedi.