If the day began with a bizarre turn of events exactly a month after Pramod Mahajan died of gunshot injuries—he was shot by his brother Pravin—it ended with an equally bizarre confession by three youths who claimed Mahajan’s son Rahul and secretary Bibek Maitra consumed a “deadly combination” of champagne and cocaine last night at 7, Safdarjung Road, the official New Delhi residence of the late BJP leader.

While Bibek died before he could receive medical attention, Rahul is battling for life at the Apollo Hospital. The second tragedy in the Mahajan home took place hours before Rahul and Bibek were to leave for Assam to immerse Pramod’s ashes.

Forensic tests of “white powdery substance” in a sachet recovered from Maitra’s pocket confirmed it was cocaine. There were also traces of another substance, possibly urea.

Late tonight, the three youths—identified as Karan, Trishay and Rahul— “surrendered” at the Mandir Marg police station. Senior police officials claimed Rahul and Bibek, Pramod’s trusted aide, were seen snorting cocaine swirls placed on Rs 500 currency notes. Police suspect that the cocaine-champagne combination triggered a reaction.

“Bibek gave us Rs 15,000 to get cocaine. We didn’t know Bibek or Rahul. One of our friends, Sahil, knew Bibek and asked two of us to come with him. He said we could meet Rahul Mahajan. Two of us went in Sahil’s car to 7, Safdarjung Road. Sahil went inside a room with Bibek. He came out saying Bibek had given him money and that they wanted cocaine,” one of the youths told The Indian Express over phone before he “surrendered” with the rest.

... contd.