Indian-origin UK restaurateur accused of spiking woman’s drink, says didn't know possessing GBL was illegal

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Vikas Nath, an Indian-origin UK restaurateur, is on trial in London for allegedly trying to spike a woman’s drink with GBL at a nightclub. CCTV captured the act, staff intervened, and police found more bottles at his home. Nath denies the charges.

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An Indian-origin restaurateur linked to a group of fine dining Indian restaurants in the United Kingdom has gone on trial in London, accused of attempting to spike a woman’s drink at an exclusive nightclub.

Vikas Nath, 63, has denied charges of attempting to administer a substance with intent and possession of a Class B drug. The case is being heard at Southwark Crown Court, where prosecutors have outlined allegations stemming from an incident in January 2024.

According to court proceedings cited by PTI, the woman had invited Nath to Annabel’s, a private members’ club in London. The pair went to the club’s rooftop bar, where she ordered a cocktail. When she briefly left the table to show friends around the venue, Nath was left alone with the drinks.

CCTV and staff intervention

Two members of staff noticed what they described as “rather strange actions” by Nath during the woman’s absence. Prosecutors said the staff observed Nath using a straw to draw liquid from a small bottle he appeared to be hiding and then dripping it into the woman’s drink.

The staff immediately alerted senior management. The cocktail was replaced before it could be consumed, and police were contacted.

Prosecutor Tim Clark, quoted by the BBC, told the jury, “His acceptance is not surprising. He had little choice because the spiking was captured on CCTV at Annabel’s.”

Alleged attempt to destroy evidence

Clark told the court that Nath attempted to dispose of the bottle before police arrived.

“Prior to the police arriving, Mr Nath clearly worked out that he had been rumbled. He tried to hide the evidence of what he had done, going to the lavatory and throwing that little bottle into the cistern, and it was floating about when the police recovered it,” Clark said.

Nath’s explanation to police

During a police interview, Nath said the substance was gamma butyrolactone, or GBL, which he claimed he had obtained as a cleaning fluid for a high performance car. He told officers a friend had informed him that it could also be consumed with alcohol as a “relaxant.”

Nath also said he did not realise it was illegal for him to possess GBL, a controlled Class B substance often referred to as a date rape drug due to its severe effects when ingested.

Further evidence presented

According to a report by The Times of India, traces of the drug were later detected, and police found two additional bottles under Nath’s sink at his home. Prosecutors also told the jury that Nath had sent messages to a friend expressing frustration that he had not had sex with the woman that night.