Mamta Kulkarni returns to India after 25 years as court clears her name in Rs 2,000-cr drug case
PTC Web Desk: Mamta Kulkarni, a prominent Bollywood actress of the 1990s known for her roles in films like 'Karan Arjun', has returned to India after 25 years. Upon her arrival in Mumbai, she shared a heartfelt video on Instagram, expressing joy over being back home. Having left the country in 2000, her return has reignited discussions about a turbulent chapter in her life involving a high-profile Rs 2,000-crore drug case that once dominated headlines.
The 2,000-crore drug trafficking allegations
The controversy dates back to 2016 when the Thane police unearthed a drug trafficking operation linked to Avon Lifesciences Ltd, a Solapur-based pharmaceutical company. The authorities alleged that the company was being used to divert ephedrine, a controlled substance, for illegal drug manufacturing. According to the investigation, the ephedrine was reportedly being sent to Kenya to be processed into methamphetamine for distribution in the US.
Mamta Kulkarni and her partner, Vicky Goswami, were accused of playing key roles in the operation. The police alleged that Mamata Kulkarni was present at a meeting at Bliss Hotel in Kenya on January 8, 2016, where the details of the trafficking scheme were allegedly discussed. Further allegations suggested that she was being considered for a directorial role in Avon Lifesciences, tying her to the company’s illicit activities.
Despite the serious accusations, the case faced significant setbacks due to lack of evidence. The prosecution primarily relied on statements made by co-accused Jay Mukhi. However, Mukhi later retracted his testimony, claiming it was made under duress. This weakened the case against Kulkarni substantially.
In a major turning point, the Bombay High Court recently quashed the First Information Report (FIR) against Mamta. Kulkarni. The Bench, comprising Justice Bharati Dangre and Justice Manjusha Deshpande, stated that there was no substantial proof linking the actress to the allegations. The court ruled that apart from the FIR's claims, no credible evidence supported the charges. Mamta Kulkarni consistently denied her involvement, maintaining that she was falsely implicated and used as a scapegoat.
The court's decision to dismiss the charges brings closure to a case that significantly affected the actor's personal and professional life. The actress argued that the allegations tarnished her reputation and prematurely ended her Bollywood career. With the legal stigma lifted, she can now move forward, free from the shadow of the controversy.
- With inputs from agencies
