Moinabad drugs case: Pilot Rohith Reddy, two others lodged in high-security block at Chanchalguda prison; SIT seeks custody extension

Three accused in the Moinabad farmhouse drugs case, including former BRS MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy, his brother Rakesh Reddy and businessman Namith Sharma, have been lodged in the high-security block of Chanchalguda prison. Meanwhile, Metropolitan Magistrate court in Upperpally is set to decide on extending their custody.

The block houses around 300 lock-ups and accommodates high-profile accused, first-time offenders and those booked in sensitive cases. Each lock-up typically houses 15 to 20 inmates.

Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team constituted by the Future City police has moved the Metropolitan Magistrate court in Upperpally seeking extension of custody of the three accused for further questioning. Investigators cited incomplete examination, evasive responses and the need to establish the origin of the contraband and unravel the larger network as grounds for seeking additional custody.

The court is expected to pass orders on the petition on Monday (March 30).

Earlier, the court had granted three days’ custody of the accused from 4.30 p.m. on March 23 to 4.30 p.m. on March 26. Police had initially sought 10 days’ custody, stating that further interrogation was required to gather evidence and probe possible links, but the defence opposed the request before the court granted limited custody.

Officials said the location for further questioning is yet to be finalised, with options including a facility in Shamshabad or another secure location.

The case relates to a raid conducted on March 14 at a farmhouse in Moinabad belonging to Rohith Reddy, where about two grams of cocaine was reportedly seized. Ten persons present at the premises were detained, including Eluru MP Putta Mahesh Kumar and Moraganeni Ramesh. Preliminary screening indicated that at least six persons had consumed narcotic substances.

During the raid, Namith Sharma allegedly fired rounds into the air, and investigators collected gunshot residue samples as part of the probe. Cases have been registered under provisions of the NDPS Act along with other charges, and further investigation is ongoing.