The convergence of high-profile social media celebrity and a major criminal investigation played out dramatically in Mumbai yesterday as socialite Orhan Awatramani, known popularly as ‘Orry,’ appeared for questioning before the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC). Summoned in connection with the sprawling ₹252 crore mephedrone (MD) drug trafficking case, his arrival at the ANC office devolved into a chaotic scene as a large crowd of media personnel, photographers, and onlookers descended upon the location.
The social media star, often seen gracing the inner circle of Bollywood’s elite, faced a barrage of flashing cameras and a security scramble as he was hustled into the police facility. His appearance follows a summons issued after his name reportedly surfaced during the interrogation of a key accused in the case, alleged drug trafficker Mohammed Salim Sohail Shaikh alias ‘Lavish.’ Shaikh, recently deported from Dubai, claimed to have organised lavish rave parties in India and abroad, purportedly attended by various film, fashion, and political personalities, with Orry named among the attendees.
The ANC is currently working to corroborate these statements, and officials have clarified that Awatramani’s questioning is a procedural part of the wider investigation into the multi-crore drug manufacturing and distribution network. While the appearance itself was non-confrontational, the frenzied atmosphere outside underscores the intense public scrutiny surrounding the case, which has drawn multiple prominent names into its legal orbit. The coming days are expected to bring more developments as the ANC continues its efforts to map out the entire extent of the alleged criminal operation.