Indian actor Vijay Raaz, who was arrested on drug charges in Abu Dhabi, was released on Tuesday and is back in Mumbai.
"He was innocent and was released at 8pm on Tuesday. At 3am [yesterday], he flew back to Mumbai," said Sujit Kumar, Consular First Secretary at the Indian Embassy, Abu Dhabi.
Raaz was held at the Abu Dhabi airport on Monday. He was on the way to Dubai for the shooting of the forthcoming Hindi film Deewane Hue Pagal directed by Vikram Bhatt.
Speaking to Gulf News, Vijay Raaz said that six grams of marijuana had been found in his hand luggage.
"I do not know from where and how it crept into my baggage. By the manner in which events unfolded, I suspect that someone planted it there. When I saw it, I was in total shock. I have never, ever taken drugs.
"The police carried out a blood and urine test on me. The results were negative. Believe me, the experience was horrible. The Indian embassy was very helpful. They came and met me while I was in jail. Even the Abu Dhabi police were very decent and at no time was I mistreated. I had to sign some papers in Arabic, I had no idea what I was signing. I will never forget this experience," he said.
Kumar said: "We met him and we appreciate the cooperation provided to us by the authorities in the UAE."
On whether Raaz had indeed carried drugs, Kumar said: "Initially, that was why he was detained. But as I mentioned earlier, he was innocent."
Sounding relieved to see her husband back in Mumbai, Krishna Raaz spoke to Gulf News from Mumbai yesterday.
"It is a great relief that his ordeal has ended. My husband is exhausted. I learnt of his release from the media. I then called him on his mobile and when I heard it ringing, I was so happy."
