Mumbai Police has summoned social media influencer Orhan “Orry” Awatramani in connection with a massive drug case that allegedly involves mephedrone manufacturing and trafficking worth approximately ₹252 crore. The case, which has drawn widespread attention due to its high-profile connections, is being handled by the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of the Mumbai Crime Branch. Orry has been asked to appear for questioning at the ANC’s Ghatkopar office at 10 a.m. on Thursday.
Background: The Drug Bust That Sparked the Investigation
The case stems from a major bust in March 2024, when law enforcement officials raided a farm in Sangli district, Maharashtra. The site was reportedly being used as a clandestine mephedrone manufacturing facility, and authorities seized 126.14 kilograms of the drug — an amount that has been valued at around ₹252 crore on the street. The sheer scale of both the quantity of the substance and its value has made this one of the most significant drug seizures in recent memory.
Mephedrone, commonly referred to as “MD,” is a synthetic stimulant with high abuse potential. Its illicit manufacture, distribution, and use have raised serious concerns among law enforcement agencies across India. The size of the Sangli seizure indicated not just casual consumption, but a large, organized operation — one with connections that likely extend far beyond local networks.
High-Profile Connections and the Role of Social Figures
As the investigation gained momentum, police uncovered disturbing links between the drug network and high society circles. Central to these revelations is Mohammed Salim Mohammed Suhail Shaikh, who was arrested after being deported from Dubai. According to the ANC’s interrogation, Shaikh led a dual life: on the one hand, he was a party organizer; on the other, he was a trafficker.
Shaikh reportedly confessed to organizing lavish rave parties in Mumbai and Dubai. These events, police allege, were not just for entertainment — they formed part of the distribution mechanism for the synthetic drug. According to Shaikh’s confession, these parties were attended by prominent personalities: social media influencers, celebrities from the film industry, and even political figures.
Among those named by police in court documents are several well-known figures. According to a remand application filed by the ANC before a Mumbai court, actor Nora Fatehi, Shraddha Kapoor and her brother Siddharth Kapoor, rapper Loka, and NCP leader Zeeshan Siddique were allegedly present. The documents also delve into the involvement of film producers Abbas–Mustan, known for their popular Bollywood thrillers, suggesting the network penetrated deep into the entertainment industry.
Orry, whose real name is Orhan Awatramani, features prominently in these allegations. The ANC has identified him as an attendee at these parties and potentially as a linked figure in the broader network. While mere presence at a party does not automatically translate to criminal liability, given the stakes — the scale of the drug seizure and the criminal syndicate’s reach — the authorities appear determined to trace every connection.
Underworld Links and Organized Crime
This is not just a celebrity scandal; it has strong overtones of organized crime. Shaikh is said to be closely associated with Salim Dola, a figure with allegedly deep roots in the underworld. Notably, Salim Dola is believed to be connected to Dawood Ibrahim’s syndicate, one of India’s most notorious and far-reaching criminal networks.
The ANC’s case hinges on the argument that the rave parties were not merely social events but integral to an illicit business model. According to law enforcement, the parties served as a marketplace: drugs exchanged hands not just for money, but for influence, access, and social capital. Importantly, these events reportedly drew a network of intermediaries — from partygoers to hosts to organizers — all contributing to a larger supply chain.
In addition to drugs, the ANC’s investigation likely encompasses the funding sources of these parties, money laundering channels, and cross-border operations. The fact that Shaikh was deported from Dubai suggests that the network had an international dimension, possibly involving procurement of raw materials, manufacturing, and logistics across borders.
Legal Process: What Happens Now
With Orry summoned for questioning, the immediate next step is to determine his level of involvement. He is not yet arrested — the ANC has asked for information, likely seeking to corroborate his presence and potentially tie him to more substantive roles beyond attendance.
During his interrogation, officers will attempt to establish:
- Presence: Confirm whether Orry was indeed present at any of the alleged rave parties.
- Knowledge: Whether he had any idea of the nature of the events — if he knew drugs were being distributed or manufactured.
- Role: If he has acted as a promoter, intermediary, or facilitator in any way.
- Benefit: Whether he received monetary or other benefits for his presence or involvement.
Depending on how the questioning unfolds and the strength of corroborating evidence, the ANC could escalate charges. Possible legal provisions could involve drug trafficking, facilitating an illegal enterprise, or even conspiracy under anti-narcotic laws. The outcome of the interview could either lead to his being formally charged, or cleared, if the evidence does not support a criminal linkage.
Broader Implications: Society, Law, and Accountability
The case raises several serious and wide-ranging implications for Indian society, the entertainment industry, and law enforcement:
- Influencers under scrutiny: As social media influencers grow in power and influence, their involvement in such serious criminal investigations underscores the potential dark side of influencer culture — where social capital might intersect with illicit networks.
- Party culture and drug distribution: This investigation shines a spotlight on how drug dealers might use celebrity-studded parties to circulate narcotics under the guise of social gatherings. Law enforcement agencies could now take a much harder look at such events.
- Organized crime revival: The alleged involvement of underworld figures like Salim Dola suggests that old criminal networks may be adapting to newer models — leveraging parties, influencers, and international links to stay relevant.
- Legal and regulatory challenge: Prosecuting such cases is difficult because they involve multiple domains — drug laws, money laundering, cross-border crime, and digital trails. The ANC will need solid, multi-layered evidence to build a case.
- Public trust and moral responsibility: The scandal has the potential to erode public trust in influencers and celebrities, who often wield vast reach. It also sparks a broader debate about accountability in the age of social media fame.
Political and Media Reaction
Given the high-profile nature of the individuals implicated, the case has already triggered major media coverage and political speculation. Critics argue that celebrities and public figures may have been insulated from legal consequences for too long. At the same time, some of Orry’s supporters may question whether his presence at events is being unfairly conflated with criminal liability.
In parallel, opposition voices could use this case to call for stronger regulation of social media influencers and stricter enforcement of anti-drug laws. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies will likely emphasize the seriousness of the allegations, highlighting them as proof that the narcotics network has matured, and evolved — now operating at the intersection of crime, glamour, and digital influence.
The Way Forward
For the Mumbai Police and its ANC unit, the Orry summons is a key tactical move. It may help the agency:
- unlock new leads to more participants in the network
- understand the full “party-to-plant” pipeline — from rave venues to drug production sites
- build a comprehensive case that ties together the intellectual, financial, and organizational backbone of this syndicate
For Orry, the road ahead depends heavily on how he responds to the ANC’s questions and how much independent, corroborative evidence is gathered. His legal team will likely aim to disassociate any implied connection to criminal activity if he insists his participation was purely social.
For society, the case is a stark reminder of the evolving nature of drug crime in India and how it interweaves with contemporary culture — celebrity, digital influence, and transnational networks. The investigators’ next steps will be closely watched, not just for their legal implications, but for their message: that no social status should exempt one from accountability.
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