Cocaine bust: MP, ex-MLA test positive after Hyderabad farmhouse party
A drug bust at a Hyderabad farmhouse has led to several individuals, including TDP MP Putta Mahesh Kumar and former BRS MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy, testing positive for drug consumption. Police seized a small quantity of cocaine during the raid, which also involved a firearm being discharged.
Key Highlights
- Farmhouse party raid in Hyderabad uncovers drug use allegations.
- TDP MP Putta Mahesh Kumar and ex-BRS MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy tested positive.
- Small quantity of cocaine seized during police operation.
- A firearm was discharged during the raid.
- The farmhouse has a history of political controversy.
- Political parties respond to the incident, calling for thorough investigation.
A significant drug bust occurred at a farmhouse in Moinabad, on the outskirts of Hyderabad, on Saturday night, leading to the detention of multiple individuals, including prominent political figures. Among those detained and subsequently testing positive for drug consumption were Putta Mahesh Kumar, a Member of Parliament from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) representing Eluru, and Pilot Rohith Reddy, a former MLA from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). The raid was conducted by the Telangana Police's Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) following credible intelligence about a suspected drug party.
During the operation, approximately two grams of cocaine were seized from the premises. The raid also witnessed a dramatic moment when an individual present at the party allegedly fired two rounds into the air with a firearm belonging to Pilot Rohith Reddy's brother, Ritesh Reddy, who holds a valid license. Police apprehended the individual who fired the shots. The farmhouse is reportedly owned by Pilot Rohith Reddy and has previously been at the center of political controversy. In October 2022, the same property was raided in connection with an alleged cash-for-defection case involving BRS legislators.
Initial drug screening, including urine tests, was conducted on the ten individuals present at the party, which comprised nine men and one woman, including realtors and businessmen. While five individuals, including Pilot Rohith Reddy, reportedly tested positive in the initial screening, Putta Mahesh Kumar initially tested negative in the urine test. However, subsequent blood tests conducted at a government hospital confirmed drug consumption by six individuals, including TDP MP Putta Mahesh Kumar. The quantity of drugs seized falls under the 'small quantity' category as per narcotics laws, and further investigation has been handed over to local authorities. The police have registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The incident has sparked a political row in Telangana. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has called for a thorough investigation, emphasizing that the law should take its course. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has stated that allegations against Mahesh Kumar should not be treated as proven until the investigation is complete and has directed the MP to stay away from party activities and provide an explanation. The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president has challenged all MLAs to undergo narcotics tests, a challenge accepted by the BRS. There has been public outrage and questioning regarding the swift granting of station bail to MP Putta Mahesh Kumar, with concerns raised about political influence potentially affecting the justice system and eroding public trust.
The Times of India, the source of the article, is a reputable Indian news outlet, consistently ranked as one of the most trusted news brands in India. However, some analyses suggest it may have a slight right-leaning bias and a mixed factual reporting record due to occasional instances of failed fact-checks. The news is specific to India and falls under the categories of Crime and Politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Hyderabad farmhouse?
A raid was conducted at a farmhouse in Moinabad, Hyderabad, where a party was underway. Police discovered a small quantity of cocaine and detained several individuals, including TDP MP Putta Mahesh Kumar and ex-BRS MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy. Subsequent tests indicated that six people, including the MP and the former MLA, had consumed drugs.
Who are the main political figures involved?
The key political figures involved are Putta Mahesh Kumar, a sitting Member of Parliament (MP) from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and Pilot Rohith Reddy, a former MLA from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
What was seized during the raid?
Approximately two grams of cocaine were seized from the farmhouse. A firearm was also present, and one individual allegedly fired shots into the air during the police operation.
What was the outcome of the drug tests?
Initially, five individuals tested positive in on-the-spot urine tests, including Pilot Rohith Reddy. However, further blood tests at a hospital confirmed that six people, including TDP MP Putta Mahesh Kumar, had consumed drugs.