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**Summary:**
Hyderabad police have uncovered a drug racket operating within the city’s gay community, facilitated by dating apps like Grindr. The investigation revealed that the main suspect, Ramakanth, and his accomplice, Prasad, were procuring MDMA (ecstasy) from a Nigerian supplier in Bangalore and selling it in Hyderabad. They used coded language on Grindr to connect with buyers. Ramakanth, who is HIV positive, reportedly engaged in unsafe sexual activities and used drugs to lure young men. The police seized drugs and arrested the peddlers and several users, including one who is also HIV positive, raising concerns about public health. The investigation is ongoing, with police focusing on identifying more individuals involved and monitoring digital platforms to prevent similar activities.
**News Article:**
**Hyderabad: Drug Racket Unveiled in Gay Community, Exploiting Dating Apps**
**Hyderabad, India** – A drug racket targeting the gay community in Hyderabad has been busted by police, revealing a disturbing trend of drug use and unsafe practices facilitated by dating apps like Grindr. The investigation has raised serious concerns about public health and the potential misuse of these platforms.
Police arrested the alleged ringleader, M. Ramakanth, also known as Kiran (44), and his associate, Mudavath Prasad (30), on charges of drug trafficking. According to authorities, the pair were purchasing MDMA (ecstasy) from a Nigerian supplier in Bangalore and selling it in Hyderabad, profiting from the transactions. The drugs were reportedly marketed to the gay community through Grindr, using coded words and symbols to arrange deals. A search of Ramakanth’s apartment yielded 100 grams of MDMA, mobile phones, and weighing equipment, valued at approximately ₹1.5 million.
“We found that the suspects were using the app to connect with potential buyers, specifically targeting young men who frequent gyms,” said a police spokesperson. “They used coded language, like ‘rocket’ or ‘pigeon,’ on their profiles to indicate the availability of drugs.”
The investigation further revealed that Ramakanth, who is HIV positive, was allegedly using drugs to entice young men into unsafe sexual encounters. Authorities expressed concern over the potential spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections within the community.
During the raid, police also apprehended seven users, including a doctor, an IT recruiter, and a sex worker. One of the users tested positive for HIV. This discovery raised alarms regarding the broader public health implications of the drug use and unsafe sexual activities associated with the racket.
“The combination of drug use and unsafe sexual practices is a dangerous mix,” the police spokesperson warned. “We urge young people to stay away from drugs and practice safe sex.”
This isn’t the first time Ramakanth has been in trouble with the law. He was previously arrested on similar charges in July 2024 but was released on bail. Now, he and Prasad face charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. They have been remanded to judicial custody, while the users have been referred for rehabilitation.
Police are continuing their investigation, scrutinizing Ramakanth’s phone records and social media activity to identify other individuals involved. They are also exploring the possibility of similar rackets operating in the city. Officials are considering increased monitoring of digital platforms to curb the misuse of dating apps for illegal activities.
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