A special court that denied bail to Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty in connection with the Bureau of Narcotics Control’s (NCB) investigation into the drug-related angle in Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case held that if she was released on bail, could alert others and could destroy evidence.
In additional sessions, Judge GB Gurao of the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) court noted on September 11 that, since the investigation is still in the initial phase, if the defendant is granted bail, may alter the evidence of the prosecution, the ANI news agency reported. .
“In addition, according to the prosecution, the accused has taken the names of other people. The investigation regarding these individuals is ongoing. If the defendant is released on bail, he will alert those people and destroy the evidence. There is the possibility of tampering with the evidence, ”the order said.
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It added that Chakraborty’s statements were recorded by NCB on September 6, 7 and 8 and the actress was also provided police protection at her request. “The prosecution revealed the role of the accused based on said statement and she was later arrested in the crime. Therefore, at this stage, when the investigation is in the preliminary stage, it cannot be said that the statement is registered with force and is inadmissible as evidence, ”according to the order.
The court also noted that Chakraborty was arrested on charges other than bail. “Section 27-A of the NDPS Act, as discussed above, is regarding illicit drug trafficking, considering that the prescribed punishment for the offense punishable under this section is not subject to bail,” he said.
The court cited electronic evidence and WhatsApp chats that NCB has recovered. It also noted that a certain amount of money was transferred via the defendant’s credit card and that a commercial amount of LSD was recovered from one of the defendants, Anuj Keshwani.
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The 28-year-old actress, in her request for bail, stated that NCB has not disclosed any connection between her and any of the drug dealers. She also stated that during her custody she was forced to make incriminating confessions and that the statement was withdrawn on September 8.
Chakraborty and his brother Showik have been placed in the custody of the central agency until September 22. Requests for bail from the Rajput house manager Samuel Miranda, his domestic helper Dipesh Sawant, suspected drug traffickers Abdul Basit and Zaid Vilatra as well as Rhea and Showik have also been rejected. by the court.
So far, NCB has arrested 18 people in connection with the case.
(With inputs from agencies)
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