The Supreme Court granted bail to Kannada film actor Ragini Dwivedi in connection with the Sandalwood drug racket case, clearing the way for her release after months in judicial custody.
She had been lodged at Bangalore Central Prison following her arrest by investigators probing alleged drug peddling networks tied to the Kannada entertainment industry. Her plea for bail had previously faced stiff legal resistance. But the apex court intervened to secure her conditional release.
The narcotics investigation targeted multiple figures across the Kannada film industry, commonly known as Sandalwood. Investigators alleged wide-ranging links between party organizers, suppliers, and prominent cinema figures.
Dwivedi consistently denied the allegations, challenging her detention before higher judicial benches. The top court's decision marks the most significant legal development in the ongoing probe.
| Case Parameter | Official Status |
|---|---|
| Accused | Ragini Dwivedi |
| Allegation | Narcotics peddling and consumption links (Sandalwood probe) |
| Judicial Forum | Supreme Court of India |
| Custodial Facility | Bangalore Central Prison |
| Relief Granted | Regular bail secured |
The Legal Context: The ruling sets a critical judicial milestone in the narcotics probe, establishing parameters for bail considerations in multi-accused drug peddling cases. Dwivedi's legal team is slated to fulfill formal bail bond conditions before the trial court in Bengaluru to execute her release.