Gunshots, drugs and a late-night police raid: What happened at Moinabad farmhouse party

Hyderabad: This is how a police raid on a drug-and-liquor party at a farmhouse in Moinabad, being attended by an MP and a former MLA, turned dramatic.

As per official records, gunshots were heard as police raided the premises, cocaine was seized, a revolver was recovered and 11 persons were detained, including former BRS MLA Pilot Rohit Reddy.

‘Continue firing, I will take responsibility for it’

According to the remand report, police heard gunshots soon after entering the farmhouse premises. Officers said they immediately shouted that they were police personnel and warned those inside not to fire.

Despite repeated warnings, two more gunshots were reportedly heard from inside. Police also claimed that someone inside the farmhouse shouted that the firing should continue and that he would take responsibility for whatever happened.

The firing stopped only after officers repeatedly warned those inside. Police then rushed towards the swimming pool area where the party was taking place.

Search warrant served, revolver seized

Police said they had obtained a search warrant before entering the farmhouse and handed it over to Rohit Reddy soon after entering the premises.

During the search, a revolver was seized from a person identified as Namith Sharma near a bathroom. Another person was found holding bullet shells and was also taken into custody.

In total, police detained 11 persons, including a woman, who were present at the farmhouse. A German-made .32 calibre revolver was seized during the operation.

Attempt to mislead investigators

Police said the detained individuals were separated and questioned individually. Initially, all of them denied consuming drugs and attempted to mislead investigators.

However, after sustained questioning, a person identified as Silver Sharath Kumar allegedly admitted to consuming drugs. When police searched him, they recovered about two grams of cocaine.

Investigators later questioned Rohit Reddy’s driver, Kaushik Ravi, who revealed that money had been given to procure the drug.

Drug brought from Shimla, says accused

Kaushik Ravi later admitted that he had brought the cocaine for the party. According to the remand report, he told police that he had purchased the drug from unidentified persons during a business trip to Shimla.

He reportedly said that the cocaine was purchased specifically for the farmhouse party and that he paid Rs 15,000 per gram.

Revolver belonged to Rohit Reddy’s brother

Police conducted drug tests on all 11 persons using a drug detection kit. The tests reportedly showed positive results for Arjun Reddy, Kaushik Ravi, Ritesh Reddy, Namith Sharma and Rohit Reddy.

Investigators also found that the revolver used in the firing belonged to Ritesh Reddy, the brother of Rohit Reddy. Though it was a licensed weapon, police said it should have been in the possession of Nitish Reddy, but was found with Namith Sharma.

Firing meant to scarethe police

During interrogation, Namith Sharma allegedly admitted that the firing was intentional. He reportedly told police that the shots were fired to scare officers who were entering the farmhouse.

Police said the accused had planned to create panic among officers, injure them and escape from the farmhouse amid the confusion.

MP Putta Mahesh Kumar tested positive for drugs

Police said the party attendees admitted to consuming drugs along with alcohol. For further confirmation, all suspects were taken to Erragadda Government Hospital, where blood samples were collected for a second round of tests.

The second set of tests reportedly showed that MP Putta Mahesh Kumar also tested positive for drugs.

Blood analysis also revealed that Namith Sharma had consumed three different types of drugs.

Six test positive for drugs

According to the remand report, six persons tested positive for drugs. They include Namith Sharma, Pilot Rohit Reddy, Ritesh Reddy, MP Putta Mahesh Kumar, Arjun Reddy and Kaushik Ravi.

Police said cocaine was allegedly mixed with alcohol and consumed during the party.

Weekend drug party allegedly organised by Rohit Reddy

Investigators said the farmhouse gathering was a weekend drug party allegedly organised by Rohit Reddy. Police said he had invited several people to attend the party.

Acting on prior information, police conducted the raid that led to the seizure of drugs, the recovery of the firearm and the arrest of the accused.