AdminMumbai Police’s Anti‑Narcotics Cell has formally summoned popular social media personality Orry (real name Orhan Awatramani) in a high‑profile drug trafficking case that could amount to Rs 252 crore. The move follows testimony from arrested drug distributor Mohammed Salim Sohail Shaikh, who claims he organised lavish rave parties that attracted Bollywood celebrities while coordinating with drug operators across six states.
Background and Context
The case traces back to a mega‑seizure of the synthetic stimulant mephedrone in Sangli in March 2024, when authorities recovered more than 2 kg of the drug along with an advanced manufacturing kit. The seized shipment was linked to a supply chain that stretched from Gujarat to Rajasthan, with key nodes identified in Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra. The mastermind behind the operation, Mohammed Salim, was recently deported from Dubai under an agreement with Indian authorities. In interrogation, he admitted to arranging raves in Mumbai, Goa and Dubai, where the parties were marketed as “exclusively for the elite”, yet inadvertently became a pub for drug exchanges.
Prior to the Sangli raid, the Delhi Police’s Narcotics Cell had already cracked a smaller cell in Panipetal that sold powdered drugs online. While the two operations appeared separate, the subsequent forensic analysis suggested a common logistics hub. This nexus of covert manufacturing, procurement of precursor chemicals, and a well‑networked distribution chain raises concerns not only for law‑enforcement but also for the rising trend of influencers acting as conduits for illicit activities.
Key Developments
Summon of Orry – An official summons was issued to Orry at the request of the Mumbai Anti‑Narcotics Cell (ANC). The notice demands the influencer attend a judicial interrogation on 30 November 2025 at the City Police Headquarters. The document cites “unlawful acquisition and dispersal of narcotics” under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Alleged Raves and Celebrity Involvement – Mohammed Salim told investigators that the raves promoted by Orry were “lavish affairs”, with high‑profile Bollywood actors and media personalities in attendance. He claims that these gatherings were staged in luxury villas and nightclubs, financed by Rathore Industries, a front company registered in Dubai. IRS investigators are cross‑checking the accounts of several Bollywood personalities for cash dumps that might elucidate further links.
Interstate Drug Network – The case now spans a network encompassing the States of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. Interrogations reveal that raw material for the manufacturing of synthetic drugs was sourced from chemical labs in Surat and Ahmedabad, then distributed via unregistered messengers. Police recovered over 30,000 packets of anti‑doping drugs in a 110‑kg raid in Pune last month.
Precursor Seizures – Law enforcement also intercepted 15 kg of 4‑Methyl‑N‑isopropyl‑6‑maleimide (a precursor to mephedrone) from an unregistered tanker in Jaisalmer. The cargo was allegedly meant for a clandestine production unit in Nagpur. The same items were reportedly purchased by a travel‑agency in Goa, commonly used by Orry’s network.
Digital Footprint – A forensic audit of Orry’s social media content revealed a series of cryptic posts featuring coded symbols (e.g., “🔶🌌”) and a dedicated channel titled “Vibes Beyond Limits” that promoted “safe‑exploration” with a cautionary undertone. Experts suggest that these posts were coded invitation to “members” of the underground network. “It is disconcerting how imagery that appears innocuous can mask such sinister intent,” stated Prof. Anil Gupta, a cyber‑law specialist at the National Institute of Legal Studies.
Impact Analysis
For the broader public, the revelations signal a troubling convergence of celebrity influence and drug trafficking. The case underscores how the allure of stardom can create a false sense of security, inviting unsuspecting fans to high‑profile, unregulated gatherings. The psychological impact of such events is capped at the familiar “party booster” narrative, yet the underlying illicit trade casts a shadow over the entire entertainment ecosystem.
For students—both domestic and international—this case offers several vital lessons:
- Vigilance in Social Media Consumption. Many students turn to influencers for lifestyle guidance. This incident reminds them to scrutinise the authenticity of influencer claims, especially when they involve private events or “exclusive” experiences.
- Risk of Implicit Criminal Exposure. Attending unregistered raves or parties could inadvertently tie a student to drug distribution, potentially leading to prosecution or asset seizure.
- Importance of Legal Awareness. Understanding the NDPS Act and the ramifications of possession or participation in drug‑related activities can help students make informed decisions and shield themselves from inadvertent involvement.
Expert Insights and Practical Guidance
Law enforcement officials, including ACP Sanjay Patel (ANC), emphasised that “the legal landscape remains unforgiving. Plea of ignorance does not absolve charges tied to trafficking.” Students are advised to adopt the following proactive measures:
- Verify Event Authenticity. Before attending any “exclusive” or “invite‑only” events advertised by influencers, cross‑check authenticity through official channels or the influencer’s verified accounts. A single missed verification can become a lifesaving check.
- Maintain Digital Hygiene. Disable location sharing when interacting with unverified event invites and maintain logs of interactions under trusted platforms. Digital footprints can be forensic assets.
- Educate on Red Flags. Watch for requests to provide money, drugs, or participation in “secret” activities. A concept to remember—promotion with an underlying illicit agenda often presents subtle cues.
- Consult Legal Advice. If a student unintentionally enters an environment suspected of drug activity, immediate consultation with a qualified legal scholar or student legal aid service is advised. Early engagement can mitigate future liability.
- Social Media Self‑Governance. Encourage influencers to adopt ethical guidelines, possibly aligned with the Government of India’s “Digital Media Code.” Greater transparency reduces the risk of opening channels for corruption.
Looking Ahead
Beyond the ankle‑tightening summons, the situation developments are likely to trigger a blanket crackdown across multiple states. Courts may approve a preventive detention of the alleged organizer or revocation of his social media licenses pending trial. In a parallel development, the Supreme Court has opened a review on the NDPS Act’s provisions regarding “digital facilitation” of drug trafficking. A potential amendment may impose harsher penalties for social media channels that serve as covert drug sale platforms.
International cooperation is expected to intensify. Dubai’s police have already waived extradition for Mohammed Salim’s misappropriated assets, signalling a positive precedent for cross‑border enforcement. Yet, the case exemplifies the need for a unified digital intelligence framework that integrates cyber‑crime units, narcotic laboratories, and border control agencies.
For academia and policy makers, this nexus of influencer marketing and illicit trade represents a new frontier. Multi‑disciplinary research on digital propaganda, law, and cultural studies is essential to thwart similar future syndicates. Meanwhile, students and young professionals must embed a safety lens into every digital engagement, recognising the potential lethal backing of seemingly harmless social media personas.
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