Amid the highly intensified investigation into the Nesco drug overdose death case, all 11 accused arrested so far have now been sent to judicial custody. The investigation now deepens into an alleged drug supply network.
11th Accused Sent to Judicial Custody
In a notable development in the Nesco drug death case, the 11th accused, Zia Jacob, was produced before the Borivali Metropolitan Magistrate Court by the Vanrai Police on Thursday. In a significant development, police did not seek further custodial interrogation and instead requested judicial custody of Zia Jacob.
Furthermore, the court accepted the plea and remanded Jacob to 14 days of judicial custody.
Evasive replies during interrogation
According to the police report submitted in court, Jacob allegedly failed to cooperate during questioning, particularly regarding suspicious financial transactions. Officials said that she did not provide satisfactory details about funds credited to her Axis Bank account.
She reportedly claimed that the account was being operated by co-accused Mahesh Khemlani and remained evasive about multiple cash deposits and transactions. Police suspect that deposits amounting to Rs 14.95 lakh could be linked to drug-related activities.
Absconding Kingpin Under Scanner
Police officials further highlighted that they have identified Khemlani, also known as Mark, as the main accused who has been absconding since the offence came to light. They also revealed that Jacob was in a live-in relationship with him for four years and has been in contact with him since 2012.
Officials believe she may possess crucial information about his whereabouts and the broader network, but allege that she has withheld key details during interrogation.
Drug racket and financial trail under probe
Vanrai Police officials also suspect that the case involves a larger drug distribution network, with financial transactions routed through Jacob’s bank account. Investigators are examining:
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Possible proceeds from drug sales
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Links between the accused and suppliers
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The source and distribution chain of the narcotics
All the accused are now behind bars
Police officials further said, “With the court’s latest order, all 11 accused in the case are now in judicial custody, while we continue to tighten the net around the alleged drug network.”
The probe remains ongoing, with more revelations expected in the coming days,” said an officer from the Vanrai police station.
He further added that the accused arrested in this case were sent to judicial custody so that, once the main accused, Mark, is arrested, we can seek the court’s permission to take them back into custody for interrogation along with him.
