Mamta Kulkarni breaks silence in drug racket row, says leave my husband alone

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, April 28, 2016: Hours after her husband Vicky Goswami was accused of running an international drug cartel, former Bollywood actor Mamta Kulkarni finally broke her silence and claimed that he was innocent.

Speaking exclusively to India Today Television, Mamta denied Vicky’s involvement in the drug dealings and rubbished rumours that he was arrested by the Kenya police few months ago over the same.

Explaining her husband’s arrest by the police, she said that he was arrested due to some family dispute and was freed two months later.

"There was news that Vicky was put behind bars and that the US and other agencies were behind me. Let me tell you, he was out in two months," the former actor said.

"The reason behind his arrest was not because he was involved in drug trafficking. Instead, it was a family dispute and Vicky just happened to get dragged into it," she added.

Mamta further refuted allegations that the United States’ Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was on the lookout for him.

"America never had anything against him. Vicky was simply caught in a brawl between two brothers. In fact, it was not Vicky’s brother but another guy from Mombasa and his brother who were involved in the drug dealings. A fight broke out between them over property and Vicky just happened to be present at home then," the actor explained.

When asked if Vicky changed his religion to come out of jail, Mamta said, "If someone forcibly opens your mouth and feeds you with poison, what can you do?"

The former actor also refused having any links with Kishore Rathode and Manoj Jain Jaymukhi, others accused in the Thane drug seizure case. She said that Vicky had no idea about the drug ephidryn.

"I don’t know what Vicky did before he met me but right now he is definitely not doing anything wrong. We have an import-export business of sugar, wheat and cornflour," she said.

"Vicky is in Kenya now and is doing well, his business is flourishing. People are just using his name to frame him," she added.

When asked whether the couple is planning to return to Mumbai, Mamta said, "I think there is a need to come and clear things. A local lady had once told me that he is innocent and was just being framed. I understood his case was a fabrication," the actor said.

Vicky Goswami was today named by the Thane police after 20 tonnes of ephedrine worth Rs 2,000 crore were seized in a drug haul this month. While seven people have been arrested till now, investigative reports reveal that Mamta Kulkarni’s husband is the kingpin of the international drug operation. Vicky is likely to face a Red Corner Notice by Thane police.

Meanwhile, Thane police is also probing the role of Mamta in the alleged drug cartel scandal.

"I have no idea why is the police taking my name," Mamta said.