Mumbai: Police investigating the deaths of two MBA students from a suspected drug overdose told a magistrate court on Monday that wanted accused Mahesh Khemlani and his partner Jiya Jacob had deposited Rs 14.95 lakh in cash into her bank account. Authorities need to inquire whether this amount was from the sale proceeds of narcotics.
Bar Dancer Arrested, Police Custody Extended
Jacob, a bar dancer, was arrested last week and the court extended her police custody till April 30. Khemlani left the country soon after the incident and police are actively looking for him.
Details of the Incident
A 28-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman — part of a group of 25 MBA students attending a music concert at Goregaon on April 11 — died from consumption of Ecstasy pills. Another female student, who had also consumed Ecstasy, fell ill and has since been treated.
Money Transfers Under Scrutiny
Police told the court that on Khemlani's instructions, four other accused (previously arrested in this case) had deposited money into Jacob's bank account. Khemlani had sent them a QR code. Of the quartet:
- Anand Patel transferred Rs 64,000 to Jacob
- Vineet Gerelani sent Rs 22,500
- Shubh Agarwal sent Rs 1.66 lakh
- Prime accused Ayush Sahitya transferred Rs 1.84 lakh to her
Police have also found WhatsApp messages between Jacob and Sahitya regarding the money transfers. Authorities suspect these transactions, amounting to Rs 4.37 lakh collectively, were proceeds from the sale of Ecstasy pills. Patel, Gerelani, Agarwal, and Sahitya are currently in judicial custody.
Jacob's Connection with Khemlani
Police told the court that Jacob was acquainted with Khemlani since 2012 and had been living with him for the past four years. She had also transferred money to his mother. Police have recorded the statement of Khemlani's brother.
Defense Arguments
Jacob's lawyer, Pankaj Jadhav, told the court that she had earned money from dances and was neither present at the music concert nor was there any evidence to show that she had supplied drugs. He added that she had a prior criminal record connected to her profession, but not to any drug-related case. Jadhav further stated that she had sent money to Khemlani's mother for her medical expenses, 'as any daughter-in-law would.'
