Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that a large drug nexus would soon be uncovered following the arrest of Lalit Patil, a drug racketeer. Fadnavis stated that the police had briefed him on undisclosed information that cannot be revealed at this point in the investigation. However, he confident that a significant drug nexus would be exposed soon. Referring to those targeting the government over Patil’s escape from Sassoon hospital, Fadnavis suggested that once the big nexus is revealed, these individuals would have to retract their statements. Regarding the Sassoon hospital issue, a detailed inquiry is ongoing, and appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty.

Fadnavis mentioned that a crime control conference had been conducted, setting a goal for a ‘drug-free Maharashtra’. He instructed all units in the state to crack down on the illegal sale of drugs. The raid on the Nashik drug unit operated by Patil was part of this statewide operation.

Nana Patole, the president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), commended the Mumbai police for arresting Lalit Patil, a drug trafficker. However, he also voiced concerns that the biggest challenge for law enforcement agencies would be to apprehend the actual mastermind behind the drug trade. Patole accused the BJP party of attempting to defame Maharashtra and suggested that such a significant drug operation could not occur without the blessings of the political leadership. He regarded Lalit Patil as merely a pawn in the drug business and emphasized the importance of uncovering the real mastermind.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare, who arrived in Nagpur on Wednesday, requested a narco-analysis of cabinet minister Shabhuraje Desai and Dada Bhuse in connection with the Patil case. Andhare believed that Patil’s escape and subsequent arrest indicated the involvement of influential individuals. She appealed to Fadnavis for a thorough investigation into the matter.

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