Several Bollywood actors and celebrities are under scrutiny in connection to a drug syndicate with links to underworld gangster Dawood Ibrahim. The Mumbai Police's Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) has been investigating a large drug trafficking network, and revelations from a key suspect have brought forth the names of prominent figures in the entertainment industry.
The investigation gained momentum after the deportation and arrest of Mohammed Salman Safi Sheikh from Dubai. Sheikh, allegedly a close associate of drug lord Salim Dola, who is connected to Dawood Ibrahim, has reportedly provided information about high-profile drug-fueled parties organized in India and abroad. Salim Dola is believed to have operated the drug syndicate from Dubai, supplying mephedrone to various Indian states and smuggling it overseas. His son, Taher Dola, was extradited from the UAE in August and has also been providing key information to investigators.
According to police documents and media reports, those named in the probe include actress Shraddha Kapoor, dancer-actress Nora Fatehi, Shraddha Kapoor's brother Siddhanth Kapoor, politician Zeeshan Siddiqui, socialite Orry (also known as Orhan), director duo Abbas-Mustan, rapper Loka, and Alisha Parkar, who is the son of the late Haseena Parkar. The remand copy stated that Taher Dola not only arranged these parties, but also supplied drugs at the events.
The alleged drug parties are described as lavish events held at upscale venues or private farmhouses, funded by proceeds from drug distribution. These parties purportedly served as networking hubs for drug distribution, with Sheikh allegedly handling logistics, from recruiting peddlers to managing supplies. The investigation suggests that such events were also organized in Dubai and Thailand, with supplies channeled through Indian-origin businessmen.
The Anti-Narcotics Cell is trying to identify others who attended these parties and whether other drug traffickers arranged similar events. Officials have not ruled out questioning the celebrities named in the probe.
Notably, Shraddha Kapoor played Dawood Ibrahim's sister, Haseena Parkar, in the 2017 film "Haseena Parkar," in which her brother, Siddhanth Kapoor, played Dawood.
The case, which initially started with a smaller bust in February 2024, has expanded significantly. The Enforcement Directorate is also involved in the investigation, examining potential money laundering of drug profits through hawala networks and real estate investments. The Mumbai Crime Branch and the Enforcement Directorate are jointly investigating the case. Crime Branch officials have indicated that individuals linked to the matter may be summoned for interrogation.
