Hyderabad Hospital Ex-CEO Sold Rs 1 Crore Property To Buy Cocaine, Abused Drugs 10 Times A Day
The doctor reportedly used cocaine 8–10 times a day, waking every 2–3 hours at night to take it. She also relied on sleeping pills, indicating severe substance dependence
In a major development, the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) has apprehended the former CEO of a renowned private hospital in Hyderabad for possession and purchase of cocaine worth Rs 5 lakh through a WhatsApp transaction.
The 34-year-old female doctor, Namrata Chigurupati, was caught with 53 grams of the drug. Previously the head of Omega Hospitals, she was arrested while receiving the narcotics from a courier named Balakrishna, who is associated with Vansh Dhakkar, a supplier based in Mumbai, according to police reports.
Investigations have uncovered her severe cocaine addiction, leading her to sell property valued at approximately Rs 1 crore to support her habit.
Authorities also confiscated Rs 10,000 in cash and two mobile phones from Namrata Chigurupati. A case has been filed under relevant narcotics laws, and the accused have been placed in judicial custody.
Initial interrogation revealed that Namrata Chigurupati confessed to having spent approximately Rs 70 lakh on drugs over a period, the police said.
The doctor reportedly consumed cocaine eight to ten times a day, even waking up every two to three hours at night to take the drug. Additionally, she used sleeping pills.
The arrest took place on May 9, though police had visited her home about 20 days earlier. During that visit, her drug addiction became apparent, and officers advised her family to admit her to a de-addiction centre. However, she misbehaved with the police and argued with them.
On the day of her arrest, the doctor had gone to meet a courier, identified as Balakrishna Ram, who had brought cocaine from Mumbai. She had paid him Rs 5 lakh for the drugs. Police, already monitoring the situation, arrested both individuals once the transaction was completed.
Further investigation revealed that Balakrishna would return to Mumbai and deliver the money to a drug supplier named Vansh Thakkar, a DJ by profession. Vansh supplied cocaine, which Balakrishna then transported to Hyderabad for delivery. It is believed that the doctor and Vansh met at a party, and Vansh remains at large.
Namrata Chigurupati had contacted Vansh Thakkar through WhatsApp and placed the order, subsequently transferring the payment online. Police tracked the transaction and intercepted it.
Police suspect Balakrishna was not only supplying drugs to the doctor but also to other individuals, having travelled to Hyderabad 10 times in the previous month. Initially engaged in small jobs, he later transitioned to drug trafficking.
Crucial evidence was uncovered through WhatsApp chats, despite the doctor's attempt to use the 'disappearing messages' feature. One message highlighted the frequency and quantity of her drug use, indicating the extent of her addiction.
First Published:
May 12, 2025, 17:49 IST
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