Popular Telugu folk singer Mangli, also known as Satyavathi Rathod, recently found herself in the centre of a controversy after a police raid at her birthday party held at a resort near Hyderabad. While the incident occurred in India, the news has sparked interest amongst South African audiences familiar with similar celebrity-related incidents.
What Happened at the Party?
According to initial reports, Cyberabad police seized foreign liquor and what was reported as ganja (marijuana) along with unauthorized DJ equipment during the early morning raid. The event, reportedly attended by around 48 guests, lacked official permissions, leading to legal action.
Mangli's Response: A Different Story
Singer Mangli has addressed the situation, offering her perspective on the events. She clarified that drugs were not found at the party. Mangli explained that the celebration was a private gathering held at a farmhouse at her parents' request, and included relatives, friends, and her team members.
The Alcohol Issue
Mangli admitted that alcohol was present at the party but expressed regret for not obtaining the necessary permissions. She claimed ignorance regarding the requirement for alcohol consumption permits and maintained that only local liquor was available, a point she said the police confirmed. She denies the presence of foreign liquor, a key distinction in her version of events.
Drug Test and Property Manager
The singer addressed reports that the property manager tested positive for drugs, stating that his consumption occurred elsewhere and at an earlier time, a claim that the police reportedly corroborated. She denies any connection between her and the manager’s actions.
Legal Ramifications
Cases have been registered under the NDPS Act (narcotics) and the Sound Pollution Act against Mangli, the resort manager, the event organizer, and one attendee. Police are currently investigating the source of the drugs (if any) and verifying the resort's licenses. The incident has generated significant media attention, particularly after videos from the party went viral.
Social Media Speculation
The lack of official permission for the event, coupled with speculation circulating on social media, has resulted in negative reporting surrounding the singer. It serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when events lack proper authorization and the pervasive influence of social media in shaping public perception.