Vikas Nath is a director of the company which owns Michelin-starred restaurant Benares (Picture: Getty/Google)
A Knightsbridge restaurant boss has been charged with spiking a drink at a private member’s club in Mayfair.
Vikas Nath, 61, has been accused of trying to contaminate the drink with GBL – gamma-butyrolactone – which is similar to ‘date rape’ drug GBH.
The dad-of-one is a director of the company which owns Michelin-starred restaurant Benares in Mayfair, The Times reports.
Officers arrested the 61-year-old at the club in the early hours of Tuesday after a woman told staff of the alleged attempted drugging.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard he put the substance into the drink with theintent of overpowering her to allow sexual activity.
Nath also allegedly 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 converts into GBH in the body, but is two to three times more powerful.
It is colourless and often used in club setting to achieve a ‘euphoric, disinhibiting’ effect.
Nath was remanded in custody ahead of a preliminary hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 14 February.
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.
‘If you have any information regarding those involved in Violence Against Women and Girls please contact you local police on 101. Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.’
