What began as the investigation into the mysterious deaths of a young couple in Kolkata’s Golf Green area has now opened up a wider probe into alleged drug-fuelled parties, substance abuse and an organised network operating from the rented flat where the two were found dead.
Police sources said preliminary findings suggest the apartment, rented by Mohammad Dilshad, was regularly used for late-night gatherings attended by young men and women, where alcohol and narcotic substances were allegedly consumed. Investigators are also examining allegations that sexually explicit videos were filmed at the location.
The developments emerged as Kolkata Police continued its investigation into the deaths of Dilshad and his girlfriend, Mehuli Sanyal, whose bodies were recovered from the Golf Green flat on Sunday. According to information gathered from the initial post-mortem examination, doctors have indicated that both deaths were consistent with drug overdose, prompting investigators to focus on the activities that took place inside the flat in the hours leading up to their deaths.
A senior police officer said the premises had become a meeting point for young people allegedly drawn into substance abuse. The officer claimed that drugs and alcohol were consumed freely during these gatherings and that objectionable social media content was also allegedly created there.
What the police investigation has found so far
The case took a criminal turn after Mehuli’s mother, who lives in the Ramgarh area of south Kolkata, alleged that her daughter had been murdered.
Acting on the complaint, police arrested Mushtaq Ali Mollah, also known as Rohit, and Anjali Bangiro on Sunday. Mushtaq is a resident of Haridevpur, while Anjali, originally from Jharkhand, is a college student studying in Kolkata. A third accused, Chandan Paswan, was subsequently arrested.
According to investigators, all three had attended a house party at the flat on Saturday night. Dilshad and Mehuli were also present.
Police said Chandan left the apartment on Saturday afternoon, while investigators are trying to piece together the sequence of events that followed.
Forensic team collects samples from flat
A forensic team visited the Golf Green apartment on Monday and collected samples as part of efforts to determine the nature of the substances consumed by those present.
Investigators said the preliminary autopsy report suggested that Mehuli died first and Dilshad succumbed a short while later. The report also noted that an injury found on Mehuli’s head appeared to have resulted from a fall.
Police sources said the initial findings point towards excessive intoxication as the primary cause behind both deaths, although final conclusions will depend on forensic and chemical examination reports.
Police probing alleged party network
Investigators have also gathered information about Mehuli’s recent personal history as part of the inquiry. Police said she had left her family home in 2023 and had subsequently lived with different partners. According to investigators, she was previously in a live-in relationship with Mushtaq and was known to attend house and rave-style parties in parts of south Kolkata.
Police believe Anjali and Mehuli became acquainted through this social circle.
Investigators further suspect that groups of young men and women would stay at the flat for one or two days at a time, during which alcohol and drugs were allegedly supplied. Police are examining claims that participants paid substantial amounts as part of a “package” arrangement linked to the gatherings.
The investigation remains ongoing.