BRS MLC’s Son Tests Positive For Ganja

Hyderabad: Bharat Raj, son of BRC MLC P. Venkatram Reddy, a former IAS officer, and two others were issued a notice by the Mangalhat police after they allegedly tested positive for ganja in both urine and blood tests during an investigation into a drug consumption case.

Police said the trio were referred to de-addiction and rehabilitation, and that efforts were continuing to track down the other four members of the seven-member group identified during the investigation.

According to the police, the investigation began with the interrogation of Abhishek, a software professional residing under Mangalhat police station limits, who allegedly procured ganja and hash oil from Himachal Pradesh. Investigators said Abhishek traveled to Himachal Pradesh every two to three months to procure narcotics before returning to Hyderabad.

Police alleged that Abhishek would invite his close friends to his house where the group consumed drugs. During the investigation, officers identified a group of seven friends who were alleged to be regular consumers. Bharat met Abhishek through mutual friends.

Investigators who analyzed Abhishek’s mobile phone found Bharat Raj’s mobile number among his frequent contact numbers. This led to the police summoning Bharat Raj and another friend, Yuvaneeth, by sending notices to them.

A source said that all three men (Abhishek, Bharat Raj and Yuvaneeth) underwent urine screening and the results came back positive for consumption of narcotics. Blood samples were then taken from the individuals who were subjected to medical examination. Blood test results also confirmed the presence of cannabis in their systems.

According to sources, the three accused were treated as consumers and asked to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation under the provisions of the NDPS Act. Investigators are continuing their efforts to locate the remaining four members of the group and determine whether they were involved.

The investigation is also focusing on tracing the supply chain through which marijuana and hashish were allegedly brought to Hyderabad from Himachal Pradesh. Further investigation is ongoing.