I’ve given 10-15 drug-linked names to CCB: Lankesh
Director says he will withdraw remark about late Chiranjeevi Sarja
BENGALURU:
Sandalwood director Indrajit Lankesh has apparently reiterated his public remarks about a Sandalwood-drug mafia link in his testimony to the police on Monday.
Speaking to reporters after a five-hour inquiry at the CCB office in Chamarajpet , he said, without naming Chiranjeevi Sarja, that he would withdraw his drug-related remark about the late actor.
He referred to those who had questioned his media remarks as ‘brand ambassadors for the drugs mafia’.
He said, “I have given the names of 10-15 persons to the police,” and added that he had no intention of publicly naming anyone, nor would he speak to the media about his testimony to the police.
‘Laptop evidence’
Earlier, Lankesh arrived at around 11 am at the CCB office from his Koramangala residence carrying a laptop and files.
According to sources, the laptop could contain videos of a well-known actress at a rave party. The sources said CCB officials copied the contents of the laptop into a pen drive.
Lankesh was questioned by ACP Gautam and Inspector Bolettin, and his replies were recorded in writing and on video. According to the sources, the inquiry was done under the supervision of NCB official KPS Malhotra. Lankesh’s lawyer Zubair was present during the inquiry.
Speaking to the media before entering the CCB office, Lankesh said, “First I will talk to CCB officials. I am under no pressure. I’m not afraid of anyone. I will talk extensively with the media after meeting the CCB officers.”
A couple of days ago, he had said there was a lot of talk about the drug mafia in Bollywood but those he knew in the Kannada film industry “have never done this”. He said, however, that he had heard of young actresses and celebrities who join rave parties. “If I had security, I could say this. The actresses are mostly in it, ” he reportedly said.
Insult to state: Darshan
Meanwhile, actor Darshan Thoogudeepa told reporters in Davanagere that Lankesh’s allegations were an ‘insult’ to the state.
Expressing displeasure over the indirect allegations against late actor Chiranjeevi Sarja, he said, “Talking about a person who is no more is not a good thing. It is a shame not only for Sandalwood but for Karnataka. The police investigation will reveal who are involved in the drugs business.”
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