HC rejects anticipatory bail of drug peddlers

Mumbai, May 15 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today rejected the anticipatory bail application of six drug peddlers who have been accused of illegally selling and purchasing ketamine hydrochloride, commonly called date rape drug, to the tune of Rs 10 crore.

Justice H G Ruri while rejecting the bail plea, held that the amount involved is huge and custodial interrogation of the accused was necessary.

Ketamine hydrochloride, commonly described as ''club'' or ''date rape drug'', incidentally was mixed in the drink of a South African model who was later allegedly raped by two Ulhasnagar residents here recently.

The Food and Drug Administration had on March 31 filed a complaint against Manish Kumar Bhavshi and five other suppliers for selling the drug illegally thereby causing immense loss to the State exchequer.

While opposing the plea today, assistant public prosecutor Anoop Patil argued that the accused had forged documents and sold the drugs without proper bills. The matter needs investigation and, therefore, the bail plea should be rejected and they should be directed to surrender before the authorities to face the ongoing investigations.

The six had earlier moved the sessions court for anticipatory bail which was rejected following which they had approached the High Court.

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