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Updated October 22nd, 2021 at 09:14 IST

Aryan Khan Arrested: Aryan Khan, 7 others sent to NCB custody till October 7

On October 2, the NCB busted a rave party on the Cordelia cruise ship and detained 8 persons. Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan is among those who have been arrested in the Mumbai cruise drug bust case.

Reported by: Digital Desk
Image: ANI/Republic TV | Image: self
10: 12 IST, October 4th 2021

On October 4, a Mumbai court ordered Aryan Khan, Arbaaz Merchant, Munmun Dhamecha to be remanded in Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) custody until October 7. The son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, along with seven others, were detained post a raid conducted by the anti-drugs agency and headed by its Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede on Saturday from a Mumbai to Goa commercial cruise operated by Cordelia Cruises.

READ HERE: How Did NCB Secure Aryan Khan's Custody

8: 38 IST, October 4th 2021

Accused Arbaz Merchant being taken for further investigation by Narcotics Control Bureau in Mumbai. He is in NCB custody till October 7.

 

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8: 18 IST, October 4th 2021

The NCB has arrested two more drug peddlers, one of whom is identified as Shreyas Nair. Details of the second person will be revealed soon.

8: 18 IST, October 4th 2021

Four more people from the cruise have been intercepted. From them, commercial quantities of MD and MDMA pills were recovered. They were reportedly holding a rave party in the ship even after NCB's raid on Saturday night. Statements of these four are being recorded, the NCB said.

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7: 43 IST, October 4th 2021

In a major update in the Mumbai cruise ship drug bust case, the city's Killa court on Monday remanded Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan, as well as Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha, to the NCB's custody till October 7.

Read Full Story HERE.

7: 39 IST, October 4th 2021

A Mumbai court on Monday granted NCB a three-day remand of Aryan Khan and others, until October 7. During the hearing, Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan revealed his circumstances to the court.

Read More HERE.

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6: 47 IST, October 4th 2021

Aryan Khan and the other seven accused have been brought back to the NCB office after their marathon hearing at Killa Court. All accused in Mumbai cruise drug bust have been remanded to NCB's custody till October 7.

 

6: 47 IST, October 4th 2021

NCB has intercepted a high profile drug peddler who supplied drugs in the cruise. The agency seized MD, MDMA pills from the alleged peddler. According to sources, the drug peddler used the darknet to supply drugs to others and receive payments in Bitcoin.

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6: 22 IST, October 4th 2021

Apart from Aryan Khan, Arbaz Merchant, and Munmun Dhamecha, five other accused Nupur Sarika, Ismeet Singh, Mohak Jaswal, Vikrant Chhoker, Gomit Chopra sent to NCB custody.

 

 

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6: 16 IST, October 4th 2021

NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede, who was at the helm of the Mumbai Cruis drug bust, was seen moving out of court after the judge pronounced the verdict in favour of the NCB, extending the custody of Aryan Khan and other accused till October 7.

 

5: 49 IST, October 4th 2021

Mumbai's Esplanade Court has sent Aryan Khan, Arbaz Seth Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha to NCB custody till  October 7.

 

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5: 45 IST, October 4th 2021

"If you say Aryan and Arbaaz consumed then why didn’t you invoke section 22 B of NDPS act," the court asked NCB.

5: 45 IST, October 4th 2021

"Pleas from the accused lawyers says, role doesn’t disclose commission of offence.. interrogation those accused from whose possessions alleged contraband was seized

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5: 33 IST, October 4th 2021

"There is no custody needed. If needed, we will cooperate and come whenever asked too. Aryan was not distributing drugs. Everybody connected to the ship needs to be interrogated, then how other were allowed to go? The ship was allowed to sail," Aryan Khan's advocate Satish Maneshinde said. 

5: 30 IST, October 4th 2021

When the court asked NCB officer Sameer Wankhede if custody is necessary. He replied, "Yes sir.  We need to know the role and connection. We have to call and confront."

 

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5: 26 IST, October 4th 2021

Sameer Wankhede informed the court that "5-gram pf MD seized from Vikrant, 4 Pills MDMA from Nupur Satija ." On  Mohan Jaiswal role, the NCB officer said that he provided pills to Nupur.

"There is an organising group. We are suspecting that drugs to be provided on the ship. Organisers despite cooperating they boarded the ship. Today afternoon, we intercepted organisers. We need to probe the connection of the accused and organisers," Wankhede said.

 

5: 22 IST, October 4th 2021

Sameer Wankhede, who along with his team, unearthed Mumbai cruise drug bust, revealed Aryan Khan's role in the case. When asked about the role of Shah Rukh Khan's son. He said that "consumption".

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5: 17 IST, October 4th 2021

During the hearing, the Public Prosecutor noted that there were chats about the bulk purchases of drugs. "We want to know who is financing the whole racket or who the source is," the Public Prosecutor said.

 

5: 12 IST, October 4th 2021

During the hearing, the Public Prosecutor in the Mumbai Drug Bust case said, "You (referring to accused) are in touch with drug people, so you are not innocent. We want to know who is financing the whole racket or who the source is."

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5: 02 IST, October 4th 2021

Representing Aryan Khan, advocate Satish Maneshinde claimed that the drugs- MD, MDMA, Cocaine- were seized from other accused. "Maybe in the same case but unconnected," he said.

5: 02 IST, October 4th 2021

"They were in custody for three days from the day they were intercepted. We have cooperated at all times. Further probe is on the basis of cooperation. Please grant judicial custody," the lawyers of the other accused argured.

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4: 54 IST, October 4th 2021

Republic Media Network has accessed the remand copy of the arrested accused in the Mumbai cruise drug bust.

 

4: 52 IST, October 4th 2021

The lawyers of the other accused in the Mumbai drug bust case argued, "On what basis they (NCB) are seeking custody? Are they asking for remand on the chats?  On what grounds they are seeking custody? The law did not comprehend for the illegal act which I will commit in future, to be punished today."

 

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4: 40 IST, October 4th 2021

Representing Aryan Khan, advocate  Satish Maneshinde said that the source of the drug has been given darknet. "There is no evidence of the (Aryan's) role," he claimed.

4: 36 IST, October 4th 2021

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has sought custody of Aryan Khan and two other accused in the Mumbai cruise drug bust case till October 11. During the hearing, the NCB argued that "WhatsApp chat clearly shows the nexus after which NCB conducted searches. Aryan Khan’s phone seized. There are several suspected chats that show the connection with the dealers."

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4: 30 IST, October 4th 2021

Appearing for Aryan Khan, advocate Satish Maneshinde argued that "Those WhatsApp chats without any recovery has no grounds. If they found a WhatsApp chat, but there is no seizure."

4: 30 IST, October 4th 2021

Satish Maneshinde appearing for Aryan Khan says no substance was seized from his client is in contravention of NDPS ACT. If any substance is seized from any other persons (co-accused) that doesn't make any grounds to take my client into custody, he says.

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4: 09 IST, October 4th 2021

Advocate Satish Maneshinde speaking on behalf of Aryan Khan said, "I am not indulged in any drugs trafficking  No supply, no purchase nor in any connection.  If I have any chats, where I’ve discussed drugs, that can be seen and which does not shows any drugs indicate.  Please Consider my bail application."

4: 06 IST, October 4th 2021

 Advocate Satish Maneshinde speaking on behalf of Aryan Khan said, "I was arrested by the NCB before and not in the cruise. I was invited as a guest. I didn’t have a boarding card, I did not have a ticket. the best suite on the ship was allotted to me because of me being invitee as a special guest. I don’t have contacts with the organisers, dealers or any other people."

"My bag was searched, nothing has been found.. no recovery or no commercial quantity or anything connected to NDPS act.  NCB took custody of me and my phone.. they searched My friend Arbaaz, 6grams of charas was found."

 

 

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4: 01 IST, October 4th 2021

During the hearing, NCB argued that based on the arrests the agency has "raided the suppliers, we have found a commercial quantity."

 

4: 01 IST, October 4th 2021

During the hearing, the NCB, citing WhatsApp chats, said, "These are all connected. And we need to know and identify each person involved. These are college students, and consuming drugs found at its fashion.. also these are influential people, looking at them, it will affect others too."

 

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3: 45 IST, October 4th 2021

During the hearing, NCB argued that "WhatsApp chat clearly shows the nexus after which NCB conducted searches. Aryan Khan’s phone seized. There are several suspected chats that show the connection with the dealers. Chats show the discussions of cash transactions of Aryan Khan. It is necessary to confront all in the custodial remand."

 

3: 41 IST, October 4th 2021

ASG Anil Singh for NCB has sought more custody of Aryan Khan and two other accused. 
"We have received some information, and then conducted raids. Further, there are five more connected persons under investigation who were apprehended over suspicious transactions. NCB arrested one more person. So we need their custody to unearth the nexus," he said.

 

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3: 37 IST, October 4th 2021

Aryan Khan has been produced the court in the Mumbai cruise drug bust case. 

 

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3: 32 IST, October 4th 2021

A Mumbai court has started hearing in the Mumbai cruise drug bust case. The NCB will seek further custody of the accused while SRK's legal team will file for Aryan Khan's bail application

3: 21 IST, October 4th 2021

Salman Khan's sister Arpita Khan has visited Shah Rukh Khan after Aryan Khan was arrested by NCB in the Mumbai cruise drug bust case. On Sunday, Salman Khan had also visited Mannat.

 

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2: 52 IST, October 4th 2021

The NCB will produce Aryan Khan and other accused in Mumbai cruise drug bust case at the Killa Court to seek further custody. 

 

2: 12 IST, October 4th 2021

Meanwhile, SRK's son Aryan Khan and the other two accused will be produced to court today. Aryan Khan was earlier taken to JJ Hospital for medical tests and has been brought back to the NCB office after the check-up. Mumbai Court will shortly hear remand for Aryan Khan and two others in relation to the cruise ship drug case.

Track live updates here: 

 

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2: 02 IST, October 4th 2021

In latest update, SRK's son Aryan Khan on Monday afternoon was taken for medical tests at JJ Hospital. Speaking to ANI, NCB chief SN Pradhan had asserted, "It’s a result of a painstaking investigation that went on for two weeks. We acted on specific intelligence inputs and involvement of some Bollywood links has come to light". Meanwhile, the NCB continues searches on Cordelia Cruise ship with the detention of more passengers. 

 

1: 45 IST, October 4th 2021

Around eight more passengers detained by the NCB officials from Cordelia cruise after drugs were recovered from the ship on Monday morning. In addition, the NCB has also seized the luggage of passengers that have been detained

 

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12: 34 IST, October 4th 2021

The NCB teams have recovered drugs yet again on the cruise as raids continue. In addition, NCB officials have detained more passengers with drugs on the Cordelia cruise which returned to Mumbai on Monday. 

12: 30 IST, October 4th 2021

Aryan Khan, two others taken to court as NCB seeks further custody amid investigation in Mumbai cruise drug bust case.

 

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12: 11 IST, October 4th 2021

Tune in here for updates as NCB continues it investigation in the cruise drug bust case

 

11: 37 IST, October 4th 2021

NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede, who along with his team, exposed the Mumbai Cruise Drug Bust has reached the International Cruise terminal in the metropolis to conduct searches. Meanwhile, the Cordelia cruise is back in Mumbai. 

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10: 19 IST, October 4th 2021

At the backdrop of a major bust of a rave party on the Cordelia cruise ship where 8 accused have been detained including Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) last night arrested a drug supplier following raids in Bandra, Andheri, Lokhandwala. 

 

9: 23 IST, October 4th 2021

The NCB on Sunday said it had evidence suggesting a nexus between three persons it had arrested, including Aryan Khan, and suppliers and peddlers of drugs and banned narcotic substances regularly. Prima facie investigation conducted by the NCB reveals that there is incriminating material in the form of WhatsApp chats and so on that clearly shows the nexus with the arrested accused (Aryan Khan and two others) with suppliers and peddlers on a regular basis, the NCB said in its remand note.

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9: 17 IST, October 4th 2021

NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede led the team which busted the rave party on the Cordelia cruise which led to the arrest of Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan. Over the last year, the top Indian Revenue Service officer has been responsible for the questioning and arrest of numerous stars, and raids at the house of several others. The officer has also been the channel through which the NCB has communicated the official statements of the investigation to the media. Read all about him here

8: 16 IST, October 4th 2021

After Aryan Khan was detained by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Sunday, Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty came out in his support and said that people make assumptions whenever allegations come on any celebrity. He added that media attacks film personalities whenever an opportunity arises. Shetty said that Aryan Khan was a 'child.' He said one should give the youngster a 'breather' and let the 'real reports' come out. Suniel added that since he was a 'child', it was their responsibility to 'protect' him. 

 

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8: 05 IST, October 4th 2021

In a major crackdown against drugs on October 2, 2021, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) busted a rave party on the Cordelia Cruise ship. Shah Rukh Khan's elder son Aryan Khan along with two others have been arrested in this case. Know who are Arbaaz Merchant, Nupur Sarika, Munmun Dhamecha and others arrested in Mumbai cruise drug bust. 

Read Here

7: 41 IST, October 4th 2021

In a fresh development, the NCB arrested a drug supplier after conducting raids in various parts of Mumbai. However, it is unclear as to whether this was in connection with the cruise drug bust case.

 

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11: 15 IST, October 3rd 2021

Hours after Aryan Khan was remanded to police custody, Shah Rukh Khan's old friend Salman Khan was seen heading to Mannat. 

 

10: 28 IST, October 3rd 2021

Sameer Wankhede on Mumbai Cruise Drug Bust: "NCB had input, after that, we executed it in a professional manner. We have recovered drugs as well. We have follow up leads as well. Soon more probes will happen."

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10: 16 IST, October 3rd 2021

Addressing the media, NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede said, "He (Aryan Khan) has been arrested today. He was produced in court today, and will again be produced tomorrow." Speaking about the operation, he said, "NCB had input, after that, we executed it in a professional manner. We have recovered drugs as well. We have follow-up leads, and more probes will happen."

 

10: 07 IST, October 3rd 2021

The  Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Saturday busted a high-profile drug party on a cruise ship en route from Mumbai to Goa. The party allegedly involving celebrities, including actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan, was busted by the NCB after an eight-hour-long operation.

HERE are the details of the cruise and the party that was to take place.

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9: 40 IST, October 3rd 2021

The other five accused namely Nupur Satija, Ishmeet Singh Chadha, Mohak Jaiswal, Gomit Chopra and Vikrant Chhokar were arrested later today and will be produced before the Court tomorrow after their medical: Narcotics Control Bureau

9: 14 IST, October 3rd 2021

Aryan Khan, Arbaz Seth Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha will be produced again before the court tomorrow for their judicial custody in connection with the raid at a party at a cruise off the Mumbai coast yesterday: Narcotics Control Bureau

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9: 09 IST, October 3rd 2021

Republic Media Network has accessed exclusive visuals of the moment when NCB picked up Aryan Khan from the cruise. In the clip, Shah Rukh Khan's son can be seen strolling with friends.

 

8: 28 IST, October 3rd 2021

In the latest development in the Mumbai cruise drug bust case, a Killa court bench on Sunday remanded Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan and two others- Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha - to police custody till October 4.

Read More Here.

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8: 19 IST, October 3rd 2021

Representing Aryan Khan, Satish Maneshinde argued that the offences were bailable. "Aryan was invited by the organisers of the party as a special invitee. He neither had a boarding pass nor a cabin booked. He just boarded the cruise and was seen with his friends, and was subsequently taken by the NCB officers," he said. 

He added, "Court can grant one-day custody so that I can make a proper application before the court." 

8: 19 IST, October 3rd 2021

After a bench of the Killa court remanded Aryan Khan to police custody till October 4, his lawyer Satish Maneshinde asserted that he will be filing Aryan's bail application by tomorrow. 

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8: 13 IST, October 3rd 2021

 

7: 49 IST, October 3rd 2021

 

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7: 42 IST, October 3rd 2021

Lawyer representing Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamcha argues that the remand application is very vague. "Nothing specifically has been mentioned about the seizure from the accused no 1 (Aryan), no 2 (Arbaaz) and no 3 - (Munmun)," the lawyer said, asking the bench to grant Judicial custody as they apply for bail as the offences are bailable.

7: 42 IST, October 3rd 2021

On hearing the arguments of the lawyers of the accused, the NCB said, "These are people who have their own status, however, in a matter like this, we request custody. Law should be equal for everyone." The Central agency added, "Their allegations are serious and therefore, their custody for two days should be allowed."

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7: 28 IST, October 3rd 2021

NCB says, "We have sufficient materials to show that these people are connected to each other. So I pray for two days of police custody."

 

7: 24 IST, October 3rd 2021

NCB in its argument says, "An intelligence operation was carried in a cruise that departed from Mumbai for Goa.  22 officers got inside the argument, and conducted raids shocking to know that starting from 10 am till 2 AM in the night recovery is 13 grams of cocaine, 5 grams of MD, 23 grams of charas, 22 pills MDMA, and 1.33 lakhs INR." It added, "8 persons apprehended, three are before you. Others will be produced before the court in a day or two."

NCB claimed that incriminating chats have been recovered, and highlighted the need for further probe. " Custodial interrogation is required," said NCB, seeking Aryan and others' custody. 

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7: 10 IST, October 3rd 2021

After the suspects including Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan reached the Metropolitan Magistrate court, the bench has assembled for the remand hearing in the Mumbai cruise drug bust case. 

7: 07 IST, October 3rd 2021

Adv Advait Sethna appearing for NCB.  NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede also present in the court. 

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7: 05 IST, October 3rd 2021

During the hearing, Adv Satish Maneshinde representing Shah Rukh Khan's son requests the bench permission to speak to Aryan Khan. Bench grants permission. 

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6: 50 IST, October 3rd 2021

Aryan Khan and other suspects are being taken to the Killa Court. Remand hearing to begin in a short while. 

 

6: 31 IST, October 3rd 2021

 

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6: 21 IST, October 3rd 2021

Cordella Cruise CEO was questioned by NCB. Speaking to the media after the questioning, the CEO waving off all responsibilities said, "I am not involved in this. The ship left after the raids The ship is coming back tomorrow. There were 1000 guests on the list."

He added that during the questioning the NCB asked him about the cruise and how it operates. Speaking about the same, he added, " We don't book shows, we are operators. The event company's name is Namas'cray."

 

6: 07 IST, October 3rd 2021
  1. An inaugural party was organized at Cordelia cruise on Saturday night. 
  2. The cruise was to set sail from Mumbai at 8 PM. However, it set sail only post 3 AM last night.
  3. Schedule of what was to transpire on the cruise: music party, pool party, and techno music.
  4. Several high-profile DJs were invited to host the event.
  5. Aryan Khan was on the cruise with three more friends. 
  6. From 10 AM onwards, those who were onboard queued up outside the Mumbai cruise terminal.
  7. They had complained of mismanagement.
  8. Boarding passes were to be issued from 2.30-4 for those who weren’t issued passes earlier.
  9. Around 1-2 PM was when the team of NCB raided the cruise.
  10. 1800 people had enrolled for the party.
  11. The cruise was to set sail from Mumbai, then the party would take place on high seas for two days. The team was to return back on Monday. 
  12. 120 special guests were invited.
  13. Several bigger names and high-profile people were a part of the team - Instagram influencers, TV celebrities.
  14. People had traveled from across the country such as Delhi and Kolkata to be a part of the event.
  15. Booking for this cruise takes place through various platforms such as Bookmyshow and IRCTC, this time it was booked completely by Namas’cray
  16. Tickets for the cruise ranged from 80K-2L
  17. Inland waterways Pvt Ltd is the company that is looking after Cordelia cruise
  18. Jurgen Bailon, president, and CEO of Jalesh cruises issued a statement on the raids -"By means of this statement, I wish to express that Cordelia Cruises is in no way, directly or indirectly, connected to this incident. Cordelia Cruises had chartered its ship for a private event to a Delhi-based event management company. Cordelia Cruises is extremely mindful of providing wholesome entertainment to families who choose to travel with us. This incident is contrarian and far from the culture that Cordelia Cruises represents. We, at Cordelia Cruises, condemn all acts such as these and will strictly refrain from letting our ship out for similar events in the future. Nonetheless, Cordelia Cruises is extending our full support and cooperating with the authorities," the statement read. 
  19. Namas’cray is known for organizing high profile parties on Cordelia cruise and also several high profile events at Goa
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5: 56 IST, October 3rd 2021

Sources say Aryan Khan has been arrested under Section 8C, 20B, 27 of NDPS(Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act.

5: 34 IST, October 3rd 2021

NCB source informed Republic Media Network that one of the accused was carrying cocaine in the eye lens cover.

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5: 22 IST, October 3rd 2021

Besides Aryan Khan, Arbaaz Merchant, and Munmun Dhamcha, the five others that were detained on Saturday have also been officially placed under arrest. 

5: 22 IST, October 3rd 2021

Sources say that Advocate Satish Maneshinde will be representing Aryan Khan.  Satish Maneshinde along with other members of Shah Rukh Khan's legal team has already reached the Metropolitan Magistrate Court. It is pertinent to mention here that Satish Maneshinde had also represented Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik Chakraborty in the drug case that came to light after Sushant Singh Rajput's sudden demise. 

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5: 10 IST, October 3rd 2021

Aryan Khan and others are likely to be produced at 47th Courtroom, Killa Court around 7 pm, sources inform Republic Media Network.   

5: 10 IST, October 3rd 2021

As per NCB, so far 3 grams of Cocaine, 21 grams of Charas, 5 grams MD and 22 MDMA pills have been recovered.  

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4: 39 IST, October 3rd 2021

After the medical check-up, Aryan Khan along with Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha brought back to the NCB office amid heavy police deployment. 

 

4: 16 IST, October 3rd 2021

Aryan Khan along with two others have been arrested by the NCB after a 22-hour-long interrogation in relation to a high-profile drug party that was busted on a cruise ship en route from Mumbai to Goa on Saturday. The arrest has been initiated under section 27 of NDPS Act. 

 

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4: 05 IST, October 3rd 2021

As the interrogation continues, sources informed Republic Media Network that Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan, along with the other detainees, will in some time be taken for a medical check-up. Security has been deployed outside the NCB office before the detainees are taken from the NCB office for the medical check-up. 

 

3: 47 IST, October 3rd 2021

The following sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act could possibly apply now:

  • Section 22 of the NDPS Act anyone who possesses, sells, purchases, transports, or uses any psychotropic substance shall face rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year with fine. The section may become applicable in the present case.
  • Section 27 of the NDPS makes the consumption of any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term that may extend to one year or a fine. The section is likely to become applicable.
  • Section 28 of the NDPS Act states that whoever attempts to commit any offence shall be punishable with the punishment provided for the offence. The provision may become applicable in the current case.
  • Under section 64 of the NDPS Act the prosecution has the power to tender immunity from prosecution with a view to obtaining the evidence of any person appearing to have been directly or indirectly concerned in or privy to the contravention of any of the provisions of this Act.
  • Further, under Section 20 (b), punishment upto two years is awarded for possession or use of cannabis. Should the facts of the case require the application of the act, it may become applicable.
  • Additionally, Section 21(a) states that use, purchase and possession of drugs even in small quantity, can be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year.
  • Other sections that may be applicable are sections 29 (dealing with abetment and conspiracy), section 35 (which presumes culpable state) and section 30 (which states that a person preparing to carry out offences involving commercial quantities of any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance shall be presumed to be guilty).
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2: 41 IST, October 3rd 2021

An NCB team of five officers is conducting searches in Belapur at present. The agency received a lot of information during the interrogation of the suspects on the basis of which this search operation is being conducted.

 

2: 34 IST, October 3rd 2021

 

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2: 19 IST, October 3rd 2021

As per sources, two drug peddlers from Delhi and Haryana are among the 8 persons detained by the NCB. The arrest of these suspects would depend on the medical reports which are yet to be received. Souyrces added that phones of the suspects have been seized and the recording of statements is underway. Reportedly, the agency is probing whether Aryan Khan was in possession of banned substances. Preliminary investigation has revealed that messages were exchanged with the drug suppliers.

Providing more information about the raids, sources indicated that two peddlers were initially apprehended after the NCB team started the inspection of the cruise ship. Moreover, all rooms were searched and banned substances were recovered from the luggage. 
 

2: 03 IST, October 3rd 2021

In a statement, Cordelia Cruises' Jurgen Bailom stated, "By means of this statement, I wish to express that Cordelia Cruises is in no way, directly or indirectly, connected to this incident. Cordelia Cruises had chartered its ship for a private event to a Delhi based event management company. Cordelia Cruises is extremely mindful of providing wholesome entertainment to families who choose to travel with us. This incident is contrarian and far from the culture that Cordelia Cruises represents. We, at Cordelia Cruises, condemn all acts such as these and will strictly refrain from letting our ship out for similar events in the future. Nonetheless, Cordelia Cruises is extending our full support and cooperating with the authorities." 

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1: 54 IST, October 3rd 2021

In a huge development on the night of October 2, the NCB raided the Cordelia cruise ship anchored in Mumbai and busted a rave party.  Reportedly, there were hundreds of passengers on this premium cruise liner. NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede, along with his team, boarded the cruise ship after receiving a tip-off about the purported drug party from the CISF.

Wankhede and his officers allegedly went aboard like passengers following which the raids commenced as the party began mid-sea. With multiple NCB officers undercover as guests on the cruise, sources informed that NCB's raid on the cruise ship went on for over seven hours. As per sources, the two-night rave party aboard the cruise ship allegedly involved celebrities and is touted to be the biggest mid-sea drug bust.

1: 54 IST, October 3rd 2021

Issuing a statement, NCB stated, "On the basis of specific information, the officials of NCB Mumbai conducted a raid on Cordelia cruise which was bound from Mumbai to Goa on 02.10.2021. During the operation, all suspects as per the information were searched. Various drugs like MDMA/ Ecstasy, Cocaine, MD (Mephedrone) and charas has been recovered. A total of 8 persons including 2 females have been apprehended and their role is being investigated in relation to the said recovery. NCB Mumbai has registered Crime no. Cr 94/21 in this matter. Further investigation is underway."

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1: 54 IST, October 3rd 2021

NCB's Mumbai zonal director Sameer Wankhede confirmed that the agency is questioning 8 persons including superstar Shah Rukh Khan's elder son Aryan Khan in connection with the rave party. Along with this, Arbaaz Merchantt, Munmun Dhamecha, Nupur Sarika, Ismeet Singh, Mohak Jaswal, Vikrant Chhoker, Gomit Chopra are also being questioned. 

 

1: 54 IST, October 3rd 2021

Speaking to the media, NCB chief SN Pradhan stated that the agency's raid was based on a painstaking investigation that went on for two weeks. He also mentioned that further raids will be conducted based on the information received from the suspects. Stressing that action will be taken against any guilty person irrespective of his status, he clarified that the NCB has not made any arrests till now. 

 

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Published October 3rd, 2021 at 13:54 IST