3 big stars grilled in Bollywood drug probe

Three popular Bollywood actresses, including superstar Deepika Padukone, were questioned Saturday by India’s narcotics agency as part of an investigation into drug use in the film industry and its possible connection with the death of a young actor in June.

According to the Times of India, 34-year-old Padukone and fellow Bollywood star Shraddha Kapoor, 33, appeared before the Narcotics Control Board’s office in Mumbai on Saturday.

They were seen leaving the office after “hours of questioning.” The actresses were quizzed about their possible connection with drug peddlers and cartels in an investigation into the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai apartment on June 14. Mumbai police initially said he had killed himself, according to the BBC, but the federal police agency is now investigating whether there was foul play.

Earlier this month, the agency arrested Rajput’s girlfriend, actress Rhea Chakraborty, accusing her of being “active in a drug syndicate connected with drug supplies,” Reuters reported.

Chakraborty, who remains behind bars, denies any wrongdoing.

Padukone, one of the highest-paid actresses in India, was the first to arrive at the NCB office on Saturday, according to The Associated Press. She received a summons earlier in the week while shooting a movie in Goa, on India’s southwestern coast.

Actress Sara Ali Khan, 25, was also seen walking into the office for questioning.

NCB Deputy- General Mutha Ashok Jain said in a statement Saturday that one producer was arrested today after he was questioned.

“No fresh summons has been issued today. We have arrested more than 18 people,” he added.

Time magazine named Padukone one of the most influential people in the world in 2018.