Suraj Gaud, Ajaz Khan’s Associate, Placed Under Judicial Custody Until October 22 For Alleged Drug Involvement.

Mumbai, 10th October 2024: Suraj Gaud, an associate of actor Ajaz Khan, who worked at his office, was presented in court and placed under judicial custody until October 22. Gaud was apprehended by Mumbai Customs’ Special Postal Intelligence Branch (SPIB) on Tuesday for allegedly ordering illegal substances from the Netherlands. The package, which was delivered to Ajaz Khan’s office and received by Gaud, contained 100 grams of MDMA. Customs officials caught Gaud in the act when they delivered the parcel and found the drugs inside.

Authorities are now investigating the individual who arranged the shipment. During questioning, Gaud provided the names of several individuals who are expected to be summoned for further inquiry. Gaud, who claims to have worked with Khan, stated he was unaware that the package contained drugs and admitted to receiving two or three similar deliveries in the past.

Officials also plan to summon a relative of Khan, in whose name the office premises were rented. Sources have indicated that Gaud had met Khan while he was in Arthur Road Jail.

Gaud has been charged under multiple provisions of the NDPS Act and will remain in custody until October 22. His lawyer, Samiullah Choudhary, argued that Gaud is innocent, explaining that Gaud works as an office boy earning only Rs 15,000 a month and could not have afforded contraband valued at Rs 30 lakh.

The SPIB officials have stated they will soon call Ajaz Khan and his relative for questioning, as the rented premises were linked to the drug delivery. In their remand application, the SPIB noted that Gaud’s custody was necessary to further investigate his involvement in the conspiracy, gather crucial evidence, and review his history of imports through the Foreign Post Office in Mumbai.

Customs officers intercepted and examined a package addressed to Suraj Bhagelu Gaud, which had arrived via the Foreign Post Office. This inspection led to the discovery of 100 grams of MDMA, classified as a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act of 1985. The drug was seized as part of an investigation, as it had been smuggled from the Netherlands and was subject to confiscation under the Act. During a search of Ajaz Khan’s office, a small amount of marijuana was also found in Gaud’s possession, which he admitted to using.