Bengaluru: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Bengaluru, which is investigating the drug menace in the Kannada film industry, also known as 'Sandalwood', conducted search operations at actress Ragini Dwivedi's residence on Friday. According to the news agency PTI, the CCB has obtained the search warrant from a court following which a team of CCB officials reached Ragini Dwivedi's residence at around 6 am.

ALSO READ | Tamil Nadu: 7 Dead, Several Injured In Explosion At Firecracker Factory In Cuddalore District

The agency had already served a notice on Wednesday to the actress informing her to depose before them on Thursday, but the latter sent a team of lawyers asking for time till Monday. She was asked to appear before them on Friday at 10 am.

Ragini Dwivedi’s family originally belonged to Haryana's Rewari region. She was born in Bengaluru and went on to debut in the movie "Veera Madakari" in 2009. She claimed to popularity for her characters in Kempe Gowda, Ragini IPS, Bangari and Shiva.

Meanwhile, the police have arrested Ravi, who is supposed to be close to people in the Kannada film industry. The court has also sent him to police custody for five days in connection with the drug menace.

Also READ| SSR Death Case: NCB Team Raids Rhea Chakraborty, Samuel Miranda's Houses In Mumbai To Probe Drug Link

The CCB has intensified its action in Bengaluru after the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested three persons from the city, who were allegedly supplying drugs to singers and actors in the industry.

Filmmaker and journalist Indrajit Lankesh also gave a statement to the CCB regarding drug abuse in Sandalwood and claimed that at least 15 people in the industry were involved in the drug trade.