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No evidence Aryan was part of conspiracy, finds NCB’s SIT

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No evidence Aryan was part of conspiracy, finds NCB’s SIT

New Delhi: There is no evidence that Aryan Khan, the son of actor Shah Rukh Khan, was part of a larger drugs conspiracy or an international drugs trafficking syndicate, and there were several irregularities in the raid on the yacht Cordelia during which he was arrested, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), has found, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be named.

Indeed, contrary to the allegations of NCB’s Mumbai unit, some of the key findings of the SIT, shared by officials with HT, are: Aryan Khan was never in possession of drugs hence there was no need to take his phone and check his chats; the chats do not suggest Khan was part of any international syndicate; the raid was not video-recorded as mandated by the NCB manual; and the drugs recovered from multiple accused arrested in the case shown as single recovery.

To be sure, the SIT probe is not complete and it could be a couple of months before it submits its final report to NCB Director General S N Pradhan. A legal opinion will be taken before the final decision, particularly on the aspect whether Khan can be charged for consumption even though he was not carrying any drugs , said one of the officers.

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The SIT probe seems to raise more questions over the raid itself, and the conduct of the agency’s former Mumbai Zonal Unit director Sameer Wankhede.

Wankhede, who has since been repatriated to his parent cadre, has been examined multiple times – both by the SIT and the agency’s vigilance team — to get to the truth in the case.

Wankhede led a team of officers and some witnesses on the night of October 2 last year to raid a cruise ship, Cordelia, at International Cruise Terminal at Green Gate in Mumbai. NCB seized 13 grams of cocaine, five grams of mephedrone, 21 grams of marijuana, 22 pills of MDMA (Ecstasy), and ₹1.33 lakh in cash from cruise vessel.

Significantly, the initial findings of the SIT probe substantiate the observations by Bombay high court, which granted bail to Khan on October 28 last year while saying that “there was no evidence to suggest existence of any conspiracy”, the officials said.

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SIT’s review of the Cordelia probe which involved questioning all the arrested persons, witnesses, officials at the Mumbai unit who took part in the dramatic raid along with Wankhede, has also revealed that Khan never asked his friend Arbaaz Merchant to bring drugs on the cruise; a fact corroborated by the latter during his questioning.

The procedural lapses are already being looked into in a separate vigilance enquiry being carried by the agency.

From the cruise ship, the agency intercepted 14 persons and after hours of interrogation placed Aryan Khan, 24, Arbaaz Merchant, 26, and Munmum Dhamecha, 28, under arrest on the afternoon of October 3. Subsequently, the agency arrested 17 more persons in connection with the raid.

Relying on WhatsApp chats, Wankhede’s team claimed the accused were part of a larger conspiracy. It alleged that Aryan Khan was in touch with some foreign drug supplier and the chats referred to “hard drugs” and “bulk quantities”.

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However, rejecting NCB’s claims, a single bench of justice Nitin W Sambre of Bombay high court noted that there was no evidence to suggest existence of any conspiracy.

The judge said merely because Aryan Khan and others, including his friend Arbaaz Merchant and model Munmun Dhamecha, were travelling together on the cruise by itself cannot be termed as foundation for a conspiracy.

“After having gone through the WhatsApp chats extracted from Applicant/Accused no. 1’s phone (Aryan’s phone), nothing objectionable could be noticed to suggest that Applicant nos. 1 & 2 (Arbaaz) or all three applicants (Aryan, Arbaaz and Munmun) along with other accused persons in agreement had meeting of minds and had hatched conspiracy,” said the judge.

“There is hardly any positive evidence on record to convince this Court that all the accused persons with common intention agreed to commit unlawful acts,” the judge added.

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The court also refused to accept NCB’s contention that both Khan and merchant told agency officials that they were going to consume the six grams of marijuana.

The high-profile case got shrouded in controversy when a key NCB witness alleged that the agency’s Mumbai zonal chief Sameer Wankhede was part of a ₹25 crore extortion racket targeting Khan .

The witness, Prabhakar Sail, also alleged that he was forced to sign sheets of blank paper, prompting the anti-drug agency to set up an inquiry into Wankhede.

 

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Complete News Source : Hindustan Times

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Thug Life Movie Review & Release Live Updates: Kamal Haasan’s Bold New Venture – Is it the Hit We Expected?

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Thug Life Movie Review & Release Live Updates: Kamal Haasan’s Bold New Venture – Is it the Hit We Expected?

Kamal Haasan’s Bold New Venture

Kamal Haasan, the versatile legend of Indian cinema, is back on the big screen with his latest thriller, Thug Life. After weeks of anticipation and a gripping promotional campaign, fans have eagerly awaited the release of this high-octane action drama. The movie, directed by debutant director Arvind Rao, promises to showcase Haasan in a never-before-seen avatar, leading to sky-high expectations. So, does Thug Life live up to the hype? In this blog, we bring you an in-depth review of the film, along with live updates from the first-day box office response. Is Thug Life the next blockbuster hit Kamal Haasan fans have been waiting for?

A Thrilling First Look: What’s Thug Life All About?
At its core, Thug Life is an action-packed thriller that explores the lives of notorious criminals, their complex relationships with law enforcement, and the grey areas of morality. Kamal Haasan plays Vikram Singh, a larger-than-life anti-hero with a troubled past who finds himself caught between the law and the underworld. The film also stars an ensemble cast, including the brilliant actress Simran, who plays a key role as Vikram’s moral compass.

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From the first teaser, it’s clear that Thug Life is set against the backdrop of a gritty urban world, filled with explosive action sequences, intense drama, and gripping twists. The film promises to delve deep into themes of justice, vengeance, and personal redemption. Kamal’s performance, combined with the intriguing premise, has set the stage for a grand theatrical release.

Plot and Direction: The Power of Storytelling
Thug Life is crafted in a fast-paced manner, with suspense building at every corner. The screenplay is written in a way that constantly keeps the audience on edge, making them question the true intentions of the characters. The film’s direction by Arvind Rao has been appreciated for its bold approach in showcasing complex characters and real-world dilemmas.

Kamal Haasan, known for his ability to transform into any character, does not disappoint here. He brings his unparalleled experience to the table, portraying a character who walks the thin line between good and evil. His performance is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the film.

Simran’s portrayal of Maya, a fierce and intelligent woman who challenges Vikram’s decisions, complements Haasan’s character beautifully. Their chemistry on screen elevates the emotional stakes, making the action sequences more impactful.

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Is the Action Worth the Hype?
The action sequences in Thug Life are nothing short of spectacular. From high-speed chases to hand-to-hand combat, the film delivers thrills on every front. The choreography, especially in the fight scenes, stands out for its fluidity and precision. Kamal Haasan, known for his commitment to physical transformation, performs many of the stunts himself, showcasing his dedication to the craft.

One of the standout moments is a tense sequence set in an abandoned warehouse where Vikram faces off against a group of armed criminals. The scene is intense, and the cinematography captures the chaos and confusion, making it a thrilling experience.

Music & Sound Design: A Powerful Impact
The film’s music, composed by the talented Anirudh Ravichander, perfectly complements the high-octane action and dramatic moments. Tracks like “Thug Life Anthem” and “Vikram’s Vengeance” have already started to trend on music platforms, and it’s easy to see why. The music amplifies the tension and excitement, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

The sound design deserves special mention. Whether it’s the ominous hum during a quiet moment or the deafening roar during action sequences, the sound elevates the tension and immerses the audience in the world of Thug Life.

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Live Box Office Updates: A Promising Start
As the clock strikes midnight, audiences flock to theaters for the first showings of Thug Life. Early reviews on social media are buzzing with excitement, praising Kamal Haasan’s return to form and the gripping narrative. The film’s powerful action sequences and engaging storyline seem to have hit the right chord with fans.

Box office analysts predict a solid opening for Thug Life. With strong pre-release bookings, particularly in Chennai, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, the film is set for a roaring start. Kamal Haasan’s massive fan base is ensuring long lines at theaters, with advance bookings already sold out in several locations.

Reports from the first-day collections are already rolling in, and the numbers look promising. It’s expected that Thug Life will gross over ₹15 crore on its opening day, making it one of the highest openings for Kamal Haasan in recent years.

The Verdict: Is Thug Life Impressive?
Without a doubt, Thug Life is a powerful cinematic experience that showcases Kamal Haasan in peak form. The film succeeds in offering a gripping storyline, memorable characters, and a stellar performance from its lead. The action sequences and emotional depth set it apart from typical masala entertainers, and its themes resonate with today’s audience.

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While the plot may feel familiar to those who have watched similar thrillers, Thug Life distinguishes itself with its sharp direction, compelling performances, and high-quality production values. If you’re a fan of action films with emotional depth, this is a movie you won’t want to miss.

Rating: 4/5 – A must-watch for Kamal Haasan fans and action movie lovers alike.

Live Updates: Is Thug Life Making Waves?
10:00 AM – First Show Starts:
The first show has begun! Fans are already praising Kamal Haasan’s power-packed performance. Social media is flooded with reactions as people seem impressed with the intense action sequences.

12:30 PM – Early Box Office Numbers:
Thug Life is seeing a great response at the box office. Early reports show packed theaters in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Looks like Kamal Haasan is in for a hit!

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3:00 PM – Social Media Buzz:
The film’s action and Kamal Haasan’s performance are trending on Twitter and Instagram. Fans are calling it his best role in years. Many are also impressed with the music by Anirudh.

6:00 PM – Fan Reactions:
The film continues to dominate social media as fans share videos from theaters. There’s a lot of love for the film’s emotional depth, making it clear that Thug Life is a crowd favorite.

Final Thoughts:
With such a fantastic opening, Thug Life looks set to make waves at the box office. Kamal Haasan’s stellar performance and the film’s impressive direction ensure that this thriller is more than just a typical action flick – it’s a cinematic experience.

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