In explosive scenes set to air next week on EastEnders, Ravi Gulati drops a colossal bombshell that leaves partner Priya Nandra-Hart utterly devastated, despite recently escaping prison by becoming a police informant.
A Relationship Hanging by a Thread
The couple's relationship has been under immense strain since Priya discovered Ravi was running a drug trafficking operation and exploiting vulnerable adult Kojo Asare. Back in August, when they reunited, Priya insisted Ravi abandon his criminal ways - something he initially agreed to before quickly reneging.
His return to crime came after Bernie Taylor emptied the Panesar family bank accounts, leaving them in financial crisis. Desperate for quick money, Ravi turned to fearsome Nicola Mitchell for a drugs contact, ignoring her warnings about the ruthless nature of the supplier.
The Operation Spirals Out of Control
Ravi initially managed to keep his criminal activities separate from family life, lavishing them with designer clothes and holidays funded by his illegal gains. However, when he handed control of the operation to his lieutenant, Okie Okyere, things rapidly deteriorated.
The power went straight to Okie's head, leading to increasingly dangerous and reckless behaviour. Despite Ravi's orders to release their hostage Harry, Okie's lust for torture took over, keeping Harry chained to a bed. This proved to be their undoing when Kojo - who had been forced to work as a drug mule - helped Harry escape.
The confrontation resulted in Okie losing his life, while Ravi faced legal consequences for his crimes, ultimately being forced to become a police informant to avoid prison.
Devastating Consequences and New Dangers
Returning to Walford, Ravi discovered former enemy Jack Branning would be his police handler. The Square's residents made their disgust clear, and when Priya came face-to-face with Kojo, she finally understood the gravity of Ravi's crimes.
Despite being sickened by his actions, Priya allowed him to stay. However, next week's episodes reveal Ravi has continued dealing drugs, leading to explosive confrontations that draw children Avani Nandra-Hart and Nugget Gulati into the escalating battle.
The situation forces Suki and Eve Panesar-Unwin to intervene during their crucial adoption assessment. After the assessor leaves, Ravi admits his ongoing involvement in drug dealing, prompting Eve and Suki to ask him to leave, fearing his criminality will destroy their adoption dreams.
As Ravi accepts their request, he's taken away by a group of threatening men, returning the next day beaten and bloodied. Priya begs him to abandon crime forever when she sees his condition.
While Ravi's ultimate choice remains undisclosed, he does move out of Number 41, demanding Priya and the children remain there for their protection. The dramatic events leave viewers wondering: can their relationship survive the carnage Ravi has created, and can Ravi himself survive the dangerous world he refuses to leave?
