Surat Court Approves Four-Day Custodial Interrogation in High-Profile Drug Planting Case
A court in Surat has granted a four-day custodial interrogation period for Chirag Goti, the primary accused in a significant case involving the alleged planting of 70 grams of mephedrone in a vehicle within the jurisdiction of the Singanpor police station. This decision follows Goti's surrender before the Surat court on Monday, marking a crucial development in a complex investigation that has unfolded over several months.
Surrender and Custody Request
Chirag Goti presented himself in court on Monday, accompanied by his advocate, Ketan Reshamwala. The surrender came after the Supreme Court granted a two-week window for him to turn himself in, during a hearing on a bail application filed by his brother. On Tuesday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Z R Desai produced Goti before the court and formally requested a seven-day custody period for further interrogation. However, the court deliberated and ultimately approved a four-day custodial remand, allowing investigators to delve deeper into the allegations.
Background of the Case
The origins of this case trace back approximately ten months, when Alpesh Miyani, a resident near the Katargam Hathi Mandir, was apprehended by Singanpor police near Ved Road Gurukul. At the time, Miyani was found in possession of mephedrone valued at an estimated Rs 7 lakh. Initial investigations suggested a straightforward drug possession charge, but subsequent police work revealed a more intricate plot.
Key findings from the investigation include:
- Alpesh Miyani was determined to have been framed in the drug possession incident.
- The drug planting operation was allegedly orchestrated by Chirag Goti, his brother Nirant Goti, and their father Ghanshyam Goti.
- The motive stemmed from a business dispute between Chirag Goti and Miyani over their joint oil business.
Business Dispute and Alleged Retribution
The conflict between Chirag Goti and Alpesh Miyani escalated following a raid on their company in December 2024 for GST-related issues. This raid resulted in the sealing of their oil stocks and ultimately led to the dissolution of their business partnership. Police investigations indicate that nursing a grudge from this separation, Chirag Goti allegedly masterminded the planting of drugs in Miyani's car as an act of retribution.
Police Actions and Ongoing Manhunt
Following the revelation of the framing, law enforcement agencies sprang into action. While Chirag Goti fled the scene, ACP Z R Desai and his team successfully arrested Nirant Goti and another individual, Mohammed Hamza alias Rizwan Badshah, from the Lal Gate area. A chargesheet has been filed against these arrested individuals, formally declaring Chirag Goti and the alleged drug seller, Mohammed Safwan Mohammed Ishaq Mewawala, as wanted persons. It is reported that Chirag Goti had allegedly fled to Nepal in an attempt to evade police capture before his eventual surrender.
This case highlights the complexities of business disputes turning criminal and the diligent efforts of the Surat police in unraveling the truth behind what initially appeared to be a simple drug possession incident. The four-day custodial interrogation granted by the court is expected to provide further insights into the orchestration of the drug planting and the roles of all involved parties.
