Mumbai-based emcee and songwriter Loka, born Abhinay Lok Bista, has returned home after serving over eight weeks in prison on drug-related charges. Reportedly, Loka was arrested for playing a crucial role in the “smuggling of 27.5 kg of marijuana worth Rs 8 crore through courier in December last year,” as per a report published in the Times of India.
As per a report by the Special Investigation and Intelligence Branch of Customs, the accused, Abhnay Lok Bista alias Loka, was nabbed after it emerged that the ‘Autobiography’ emcee was involved in carrying out the required transactions for ‘ordering’ the “marijuana from the U.S.”
However, a certain faction in Indian rap music seemingly denies the charges against Loka and has expressed support for his swift release.
Loka has now revealed that he has “been thru alot”. Taking to Instagram, the emcee has said that he’ll provide more “updates soon”.
Upon Loka’s return to his home, Indian trap star DRV voiced his support for Loka and said that ‘it feels good’ to have him back. DRV is slated to open for Reggae and Rap superstar Rema during his debut live set in Delhi this May.
Notably, on May 4th 2023, A special Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) court in Mumbai rejected the pre-arrest bail plea by Loka.
“There is material to suspect that he was making arrangements for money and addresses for the delivery of parcels. Thus, there is reasonable ground to believe that he was involved in the conspiracy to import commercial quantities of contraband,” the court noted at the time.
As per many, Loka is one of the many influential Hip-Hop artists in Mumbai. The young emcee is behind numerous affecting rap records including the “Autobiography” EP, “Kya Bolte Bro” alongside Emiway Bantai, “Mafia” and more. In March this year, Loka’s management released “Burey Din” while the rapper was on trial and kept in prison.
More details on the story as it unfolds.