It was heartrending to see Deepika Padukone stepping into Mumbai as a possible suspect in a drug scandal. Sources say Deepika not only refused to speak to the press she closed her eyes when questioned by the waiting media persons at the Mumbai airport when she landed from Goa.

Her trepidation and refusal to comment on the issue is understandable. Sources in the know inform that the Narcotics Control Bureau has “highly incriminating evidence” to prove Deepika’s links with the drug cartel.

These apparently include multiple whatsapp chats and other telephonic evidence that clearly establishes her long and durable affinity to substance abuse.

“It’s not going to be easy for Deepika and Ranveer to extricate her from this situation. Deepika is in very serious trouble. The couple should brace themselves for a long battle ahead,” says a source from the BJP government.

However, there are many in the film industry who believe this is payback for her ill-conceived visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru University as a part of her promotional trips to Delhi during the release of Chhapaak.

But the erosion in her equity, fan following, and in the volume of endorsements is inevitable.