Moinabad farmhouse drugs case: Three accused face custody plea, court to decide on March 20

Three accused in the Moinabad farmhouse drugs case, including former BRS MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy, were produced before Nampally court, where police sought custody for further investigation. The matter has been adjourned to March 20 for orders.

The other two accused have been identified as Rohith’s brother Rakesh Reddy and Namith Sharma. Officers from the Moinabad police sought 10 days custody of the accused, stating that further interrogation was required to gather evidence, examine possible links and establish the broader circumstances of the case. The defence opposed the request, arguing that such an extended custody period was not necessary.

The case arises from a late-night raid conducted on March 14 at a farmhouse in Moinabad belonging to BRS leader and former MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy, where two grams of cocaine were reportedly recovered. Ten persons present at the premises were detained following the operation.

Those detained include Putta Mahesh Kumar, MP from Eluru representing the Telugu Desam Party; Pilot Rohith Reddy, former MLA and BRS leader; Moraganeni Ramesh, 49, along with others.

Preliminary drug screening indicated that at least six of those present had consumed narcotic substances. During the raid, Mr. Namith Sharma allegedly fired multiple rounds into the air in an attempt to disrupt the operation and evade enforcement action. Investigators later collected gunshot residue samples as part of the evidence. Cases were booked under NDPS Act and under the charges of attempt to murder.