Mumbai: NCB suspends probe in-charge, intel officer in Aryan Khan Case

The Narcotics Control Bureau has suspended two officers who were probing the Aryan Khan-cruise liner drug bust case, following a vigilance inquiry.

NCB superintendent Vishwa Vijay Singh and Intelligence Officer Ashish Ranjan Prasad were both lead investigating officers in the Cordelia cruise liner case; they have been suspended with immediate effect for ‘suspicious activities’.

Khan was arrested by the NCB following a raid at Mumbai's International Cruise Terminal on October 3 of last year. The drug enforcement agency had seized 13 grams of cocaine, five grams of mephedrone, 21 grams of charas and 22 MDMA/Ecstasy pills during the raid.

A total of 20 individuals were subsequently arrested. Out of these, 18 are now out on bail, including Khan.

NCB officials were tight lipped about the suspension and clarified that the action was over suspicious conduct and bail granted to drug dealer Ganesh Shera, who was arrested with 380 gm of ganja in another case.

An ongoing inquiry by the NCB vigilance team found both had indulged in 'suspicious activity' and recommend immediate suspension.

Five cases were transferred to NCB SIT, including the cruise drugs case, following allegations of extortion against the NCB team. A vigilance inquiry under a Deputy Director-General level officer was also launched which recorded statements of several officers, including Singh and Prasad.

Published on: Wednesday, April 13, 2022, 11:35 PM IST