Ragini Dwivedi to Akul Balaji: Kannada stars linked to the Sandalwood drug scandal

The ongoing drug scandal that links the Kannada film industry with drug abuse has created quite some stir over the past few weeks. With every passing week, newer names have either been arrested or questioned allegedly in links with this probe by the Central Crime Branch police officers. Here's a look at them.

Shivaprakash or Chippi has he is known is a Kannada film producer. He has produced the Kishore starrer Huli and most recently was one of the producers of the Shivarajkumar starrer Killing Veerappan. He is accused number 1 on the FIR registered by the cops and they are reportedly on the lookout for him.

The actress was the first one from the film industry to be arrested with regards to this matter. She is named as accused number 2 on this FIR. She is currently jailed at Parappana Agrahara for a 14 day judicial custody. The actress's partying ways and event organising company have been mainly the reason for her coming under suspicion.

The Ganda Hendathi actress was arrested too as an accused. The actress's close links with some of the other accused who are alleged to be peddlers were the main reasons for her to come under the scanner. The actress, like Ragini, had her house raided after which she was taken into custody after a long inquiry.

The actor couple from the Kannada film industry were called in last week for inquiry. The two were grilled separately and their phones were taken by the CCB too. The two actors were sent back, though the police officials said that they might be called on if there was any need that arose.

The actor, anchor and former Bigg Boss Kannada winner was called in for inquiry. Akul's name came under the scanner because of his farmhouse that apparently was the venue for many parties where illegal substances were consumed. He was sent home after a seven hour long inquiry, albeit his phone was withheld by the police.

This actor, anchor and former Bigg Boss Kannada contestant was called in for inquiry the same day as Akul. He allegedly came under the scanner due to his close association with some of the accused who have been arrested under the charge of consuming and distributing drugs. The actor was sent home after a seven hour long inquiry, but his phone was withheld by the police.