THE boss of a celeb haunt Michelin-starred restaurant has been charged with spiking a woman’s drink at a swanky private club.
Vikas Nath allegedly put the recreational drug GBL into a woman’s drink with the intent of overpowering her for sexual activity.
GettyVikas Nash, left, with Jemima Khan, Sadiq Khan and Ben Goldsmith at his Benares restaurant[/caption]
The 61-year-old is owner of posh Indian restaurant Benares in Mayfair, where a tasting menu costs £123.
He was previously pictured posing with Jemima Khan, Sadiq Khan and Ben Goldsmith at a charity dinner at the luxury eatery in an unrelated event.
Nath, of Wellington Court, Knightsbridge, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
The dad-of-one was arrested at the private members’ club in Mayfair after a woman told staff of the alleged attempted drink spiking.
The charge states he administered GBL to another person “knowing she did not consent and with the intention of stupefying or overpowering her so as to enable any person to engage in a sexual activity involving her”.
GBL, gamma-butyrolactone, is the precursor to the “date rape drug” GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate).
It is converted into GHB in the body and the effects are identical – but it is two to three times as powerful and the effects are felt faster.
Nath, who also owns GrassFed in Camden with Michelin-starred chef Paul Foster, was remanded into custody at Southwark Crown Court on February 14.
Detective Inspector Kieron Vaughan, who is leading the investigation, said: “Anyone who suspects they might have been spiked is urged to report it to police as soon as possible so that we can obtain any time-sensitive evidence needed to assist in the investigation.
“If you are in a bar or club, you can report it to a member of staff who will assist you. If you see anything suspicious, report it to bar staff or police. If you witness a crime in progress please call 999.
“It is not a crime to have illegal drugs in your system (unless you are driving), so do not let this be a barrier to reporting to police.
“This information however, is vital in terms of obtaining the correct medical support and treatment.”
SuppliedBenares in Mayfair where tasting menus cost £123[/caption]
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