New Delhi: Actress Rakul Preet Singh was summoned on Friday, December 19, by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a four-year-old drug trafficking and consumption case. 


Her statement was recorded by the ED in this connection last year too. 
 
"The actress has been asked to appear before the investigating agency on December 19. Rakul Preet was questioned by the ED on September 2, 2021. Several Telugu actors were also questioned in the matter," a source told IANS. 
 
The anti-money-laundering agency has been probing this drug trafficking and consumption case for the past four years after a high-end drugs cartel, supplying LSD and MDMA and other narcotics, was busted in 2017 by Telangana's Prohibition and Excise department. 


Celebrities like Ravi Teja, Charmee Kaur, Navdeep, Mumaith Khan, Tanish, Nandu, Tarun and Baahubali fame Rana Daggubati were previously summoned by the ED. 


The present case was lodged by the ED on the basis of that matter after it found that the money of that drug cartel was laundered via various channels. 


An ED official had previously told Times of India, "Around 12 cases were booked by Telangana Excise and Prohibition department and 11 charge sheets were filled. Mostly drug traffickers around eight persons were charge sheeted in the cases then. Most of them are lower-level drug traffickers. We have called excise officials as witnesses. Likewise, till we get evidence Tollywood celebrities will be considered as witnesses. Their names have figured in the investigation.” 


On the work front, Rakul will next be seen in 'Chhatriwali', which focuses on male contraceptives and safe sex. 
 
Speaking about the film Rakul told IANS, "For me, every film of mine has been special but 'Chhatriwali' is extra special for many reasons. After so many years in the industry, I am finally getting to headline a film and what better than an entertaining film with a thought-provoking social message." 
 
Rakul plays the role of quality control head in a condom factory. It is shown in the film that though initially, Rakul was somewhere shy about her job, she slowly realised its importance. She understands the relevance of sex education and takes the responsibility of spreading awareness. 


Produced by Ronnie Screwvala and directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, 'Chhatriwali' features Rakul Preet Singh and Sumeet Vyas. It will be released soon on ZEE5. 


(With IANS inputs)