Kochi: Gangster Om Prakash, who was nabbed by the Kerala police on Sunday for possessing cocaine and liquor, has asserted his innocence in the drug case. He stated that he does not know actress Prayaga Martin but is familiar with Sreenath Bhasi.

In an interview with Mathrubhumi News, Prakash maintained that he has not been involved in any drug transactions. "I haven't spoken to Prayaga Martin. One of my friends reached out to Sreenath Bhasi. They arrived at 3 AM while I was sleeping and woke me up to introduce themselves. I didn't realize the woman with them was Prayaga Martin until the morning. She was asleep and not part of any group," he explained.

Prakash emphasized, "They didn’t find any bottles or anything in my room; all of that was obtained from Shihas's room. I have never engaged in illegal business in my life. There are allegations against me, including connections to the sand mafia. Many public events are held in five-star hotels, but when I host one, they claim that Om Prakash is throwing a dance party or a DJ party."

Earlier, in the remand report filed at Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate on Monday, the Police team claimed that 20 persons including Sreenath Bhasi and Prayaga Martin visited the hotel room where Om Prakash and his friend Shihas stayed in Kochi. Meanwhile, Sreenath Bhasi and Prayaga Martin will appear for questioning in the case at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. 

Following a tip-off, police reached the hotel in Kundannoor and seized a ziplock cover with a minute quantity of suspected cocaine and four litres of liquor from their rooms. It was also alleged that Prakash was smuggling drugs from abroad for selling at DJ parties in the city. 

However, the court later granted bail to Prakash and Shihas. The police have opted to investigate further into the connections between the actors and Om Prakash. Prakash has been linked to 30 criminal cases, including the murder of Paul Muthoot George, a young businessman.