Moinabad drugs case: State govt is not involved, says CM Revanth
Beyond the legal controversy, the Chief Minister addressed political speculation, confirming that the next Telangana Assembly elections are slated for 2029, dismissing rumours of an early 2028 poll.
By Newsmeter Network
New Delhi: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy clarified on Wednesday that his government has no involvement in the high-profile Moinabad drugs case, asserting that legal procedures are being followed independently.
Speaking to the media during his visit to the national capital, the Chief Minister confirmed that station bail was granted according to established rules and that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to ensure a thorough probe.
No early 2028 poll, says CM
Beyond the legal controversy, the Chief Minister addressed political speculation, confirming that the next Telangana Assembly elections are slated for 2029, dismissing rumours of an early 2028 poll.
He also advocated for the swift implementation of women’s reservations in legislative bodies.
The Delhi team, led by TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud and CM Revanth, met with senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. During the meeting, he introduced Vem Narender Reddy, his close associate who was recently elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha, to the party’s top brass.
The Moinabad farmhouse raid
The case that has gripped Telangana politics began on the night of March 14, when the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) conducted a surprise raid on a farmhouse in Aziznagar, Moinabad.
The case has many aspects that show its ties with the politics of the Telugu States:
1. High-Profile Attendees: The property belongs to former BRS MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy. Ten individuals were detained, including Putta Mahesh Kumar (TDP MP from Eluru) and several prominent businessmen.
2. The Firearm Incident: The raid took a dramatic turn when a Delhi-based businessman, Namith Sharma, allegedly fired rounds from a licensed revolver belonging to Rohith Reddy’s brother to deter the police team.
3. Narcotics Discovery: Officials seized small quantities of cocaine (approx. 2 grams) and large amounts of liquor.
4. Test Results: While initial urine tests were varied, subsequent blood tests confirmed that six individuals, including the TDP MP and the former BRS MLA, tested positive for narcotics, including cocaine and MDMA.
5. The SIT Probe: Following the raid, the Telangana DGP constituted a nine-member SIT headed by Chevella DCP Yogesh Gautam. The team is tasked with investigating international drug links and the firing incident, with a mandate to file a chargesheet within three months.
Political implications
The raid has sparked a fierce war of words in Telangana.
While the Congress government maintains it is simply enforcing the law, opposition parties have raised questions regarding the handling of the case and the granting of station bail to high-profile figures. By constituting an SIT, the government aims to project a ‘zero tolerance’ policy toward the drug menace, regardless of the political stature of those involved.
