Hyderabad: EAGLE arrests 2 more in Malnadu Restaurant drug case: 7 pubs on radar

Hyderabad: Telangana EAGLE has arrested two more people in the Malnadu Restaurant drug case.

With this, the total number of arrests has reached ten.

The latest arrests have also widened the scope of the investigation, with seven pubs now facing scrutiny.

Lochan and Sandeep arrested

EAGLE SP Rupesh identified the individuals as Lochan and Sandeep. They were not only drug consumers but also actively involved in peddling.

The duo also reportedly supplied ganja to the main accused, A Surya, who is suspected of orchestrating drug-laced parties at multiple upscale pubs in the city, he added.

Late-night party circuit under watch

“We are now focusing on identifying individuals who attended these late-night parties. Technical evidence is being examined, and based on our findings, we will take necessary legal action,” SP Rupesh said.

Key revelations from interrogation

The SP said that during questioning, Sandeep reportedly confessed to consuming drugs at several popular nightspots, including Quake Arena Pub, Xora Pub, and Broadway.

He further alleged that certain pubs had designated zones that facilitated drug use. These claims prompted the police to issue notices to managers of seven pubs, including Prism Pub, Farm Pub, and Xora Pub, for further inquiry.

Case Origin: Malnadu Restaurant Raid

The case first came to light following a raid on Malnadu Restaurant on July 7. Initial detentions during the raid led to a deeper investigation, uncovering a wider network of drug consumption and supply.

Cops' kin in the net

Adding a sensitive twist to the case, the investigation revealed that two of the arrested individuals are sons of serving police personnel. One of them, Rahul Tej, had applied for bail, which was recently rejected by the court.

Ongoing investigation

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. The police are now verifying whether drug consumption took place within the premises of the pubs mentioned, and whether pub staff were complicit. More arrests and legal action are expected as the investigation progresses, the SP said.