Sandalwood Drug Case: Supreme Court grants bail to Ragini Dwivedi

Supreme Court has granted bail to Kannada actress Ragini Dwivedi, who was arrested in connection with the Sandalwood drug racket. Her petition was heard today and the judge let her out on bail. The judge who heard the case said that there is a provision of one year sentence for Ragini and hence she is entitled to get bail. Ragini was arrested by the Central Crime Branch on September 4, 2020.

It's a huge relief for Kannada actress Ragini Dwivedi as she has been let out on bail after spending four months in Bengaluru prison. Her house was raided on September 4 (2020) morning and that evening, she was arrested by the Central Crime Branch. 

Ragini Dwivedi's lawyer said that the officials did not recover any drugs from her house when they conducted the search last year. He further added that Ragini has been arrested based on a conspiracy. 

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who represented Karnataka governement, opposed Ragini Dwivedi's bail saying that she could tamper the evidence. Mehta said, "It is not a matter of personal use. Ragini Dwivedi was connected to the case for supplying drugs at parties, pubs and hotel." 

He also pointed out that the messages she exchanged with drug peddlers have come to light during the investigation. Stating that Ragini Dwivedi is powerful, Mehta said that she could manipulate the evidence gathered in the Sandalwood drug case. He also made his case saying she shouldn't be granted bail until the chargesheet is filed.

In August 2020, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) had busted a racket in Karnataka. Many actors, actresses, top businessmen and musicians were involved in the Sandalwood drug racket. On September 4, Ragini Dwivedi was arrested, which was followed by Sanjjanaa Galrani's arrest on September 8. 

Ragini Dwivedi's lawyer had filed for bail several times before. In November 2020, her bail plea was rejected by the Karnataka High Court, which was when her lawyer appealed to the Supreme Court. 

Many foreign drug peddlers were arrested by the officials in the Sandalwood drug case. The investigation is still underway.