cinema beat Top News

Karnataka HC grants stay on proceedings against Actress Hema in rave party case

Listen to Story
Karnataka Hc Grants Stay On Proceedings Against Actress Hema In Rave Party Case

Hyderabad: The Karnataka High Court on December 31, 2024, has granted an interim stay on the proceedings against Telugu actress Kolla Hema in a drug abuse case related to a rave party raid in Bengaluru in May 2024.

In an order passed on December 31, 2024, Justice Hemant Chandanagoudar noted that the charges against Hema, under Section 27(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, were based solely on a co-accused’s confessional statement. The judge said that there was no corroborative evidence to prove that Hema had consumed MDMA.

Hema, who was arrested on June 3, 2024, by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) after failing to appear for questioning, faced charges of drug consumption, providing false information during the raid, prior knowledge of banned substances, and attempts to mislead investigators. She was granted bail 10 days after her arrest.

The police raid, conducted at a farmhouse on the night of May 19-20, 2024, uncovered widespread drug use among the 80-plus attendees. In September 2024, a chargesheet was filed against 87 individuals, including Hema. However, the actress has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that no drugs were found on her, and her arrest was based solely on the statement of a co-accused. She also pointed to delays in her medical examination.

Hema filed a plea to quash the chargesheet and requested a stay on further proceedings before the NDPS special court. The High Court granted an interim stay, with further hearings scheduled.

What is a Rave Party?

A rave party is an all-night event typically featuring electronic dance music and DJ performances. These gatherings are often associated with drug use and can attract large crowds, sometimes held in secret locations.