In a significant twist in the ongoing investigation into the alleged drug racket associated with incarcerated inmates at Sassoon Hospital, Pune, the police have identified seven additional suspects. These revelations stem from critical information gleaned from suppliers of raw materials integral to drug production. As authorities intensify their search for these individuals, this development underscores the growing complexity of the case.
The newly identified suspects are Saadhan Babaji Kamble, Shivaji Shinde, Jishan Iqbal Sheikh, Rahul Pandit (alias), Rohit Kumar (alias Amit Kumar) – all hailing from Nashik, and Harish Pant, Imran Sheikh, and Golu – residents of Mumbai. The facility where the central accused, Lalit Patil, and his associates allegedly manufactured mephedrone in Nashik’s ‘MIDC’ area is owned by Kamble. Shinde played a crucial role in supplying the essential raw materials, while Pant, Jishan, and Pandit were involved in the manufacturing process. Imran and Golu were allegedly responsible for distributing the manufactured drug, as detailed in the police’s remand report presented in court.
Preliminary investigations indicate that both the detained and fugitive suspects reaped substantial financial gains from the sale of mephedrone. In light of these findings, the police are actively exploring the possibility of additional individuals implicated in this complex criminal network. Public prosecutor Neelam Yadav-Ethape sought an eight-day extension of police custody for Bhushan Patil and Abhishek Balakawade, a request granted by First Class Judicial Magistrate AC Birajdar until October 20.
While two of the newly identified accused are in custody, the police’s efforts to apprehend the rest have been met with challenges. Despite the seizure of vital materials related to the case, the accused’s lawyer, Sandeep Bali, argued against the need for extended police custody.
A search of Bhushan Patil’s residence led to the discovery of eight pen drives connected to the case, and police also confiscated three kilograms of gold from Balakawade. Preliminary inquiries revealed that Lalit Patil had acquired five kilograms of gold through proceeds from mephedrone sales.
The ongoing investigation seeks answers to pivotal questions, including “Who else is involved in the supply of raw materials?”, “How were the proceeds from mephedrone sales utilized?”, and “Who provided instructions to the accused regarding drug production?”
Significantly, two of the seven newly identified suspects are already in custody in a separate case registered in Mumbai, namely Jishan Sheikh and Shivaji Shinde. Both individuals will be produced in court under the court’s permission for the case registered at the Bundgarden police station. Thus far, police have interviewed 12 witnesses during the investigation.
In a separate development, the court issued a disciplinary notice to Sunil Tambe, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, for attending court proceedings in plain clothes. The notice stipulates the submission of a written statement within 15 days through the Commissioner of Police.
