Akun Sabharwal is Fearless

Prohibition & Excise Department Director Akun Sabharwal on Monday claimed that his department has full powers to investigate the cases pertaining to supply and usage of drugs in Telangana State.

Speaking to media persons here, Sabharwal said that the present investigation was being done as per Narcotics Act 1985. He said that law has given absolute powers to the Excise Department to conduct a detailed probe. He said the guidelines of Supreme Court were not being violated during investigations and the best prevailing techniques were being utilised. He said the statements were being video-graphed and blood samples were also being collected with the consent of suspect/accused persons. He said that the names of minors involved in usage of drugs would be kept confidential.

Reacting to reports of threatening calls made to him by some anonymous persons, Sabharwal said he does not fear anyone and would perform his duties fearlessly. He also denied reports of Excise Department targeting film personalities in this case. He said of 27 people questioned in this case, only five people are associated with film industry. He said that the case was being investigated from all angles.

Meanwhile, Excise Commissioner R.V. Chandravadan informed that 19 people have been arrested in this case so far.