The probe into the alleged involvement of Telugu film personalities pocked up the pace on Wednesday as the renowned film director Jagannath Puri appeared before the special investigation team of the Excise and Prohibition department.
He was the first in the long list of film personalities to appear for questioning.
Puri, who came to the office and excise commissioner in Nampally along with his two sons was grilled for several hours by a team of four officials led by the department director and IPS officer Akun Sabharwal.
Sources said that most of the questions were related to his links with the alleged drug dealer Calvin Mescernehas. It was from the mobile phone of Calvin that the police got the names of film actors, directors and other persons. Puri is among the top directors of Telugu films and has many blockbusters to his credit. He has worked with the top actors like Junior NTR and Mahesh Babu.
Sources said that the SIT officials questioned Puri whether he was addicted to drugs and alcohol and whether he had supplied drugs to other people in the film industry. He was also asked about the supplier of drugs before Calvin and the extent of drug abuse in the film industry.
Puri told the officials that he had come in contact with Calvin through an event manager but denied receiving or using the narcotics. Sources said that investigations revealed that popular actor Ravi Teja and Charmee Kaur had come into contact with Calvin through Puri.
Depending on how useful will be the information provided by Puri, officials will decide whether Puri can be used as an approver in the narcotics case.
The questioning of Puri was likely to continue till late in the evening but Puri was unlikely to be arrested. Actress Charmee will be next to face the SIT tomorrow and Ravi Teja will be questioned on July 24.
Actors Navdeep, Tarun and Nandoo will also appear for question.