Pune News : Thackeray group leader MP Sanjay Raut recently criticized the police action in Pune following the discovery of a significant drug stock, claiming that such drug activities would not occur without political support and police assistance. He also asserted that drugs are transported through Gujarat, and that Pune and Nashik have become central hubs for drug trafficking in the state.
In recent weeks, Pune police have seized drugs worth thousands of crores in various raids. This crackdown follows a viral video showing a minor taking drugs in a hotel bathroom, which led to the arrests of the hotel driver and the party organizer. Opposition leader Sanjay Raut has since criticized the administration of the central and state governments as well as city MP Muralidhar Mohol.
Raut expressed skepticism about the impact of police actions on reducing the drug trade in Pune. He highlighted that despite Pune having a ministerial position at the Centre, the city still faces significant social problems and development issues. His comments indirectly targeted Pune city MP and Union Minister of State for Co-operation and Aviation, Muralidhar Mohol.
Muralidhar Mohol’s Response
In response to the criticism, MP Muralidhar Mohol took decisive actions, including suspending police officers in the areas affected by the Ferguson Road incident. He assured the public that both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are closely monitoring the situation and have mandated the creation of a dedicated cell for handling drug cases.
Mohol emphasized the need to base discussions on concrete evidence rather than personal feelings. He urged the opposition to avoid making hasty comments that could damage Pune’s reputation. On Saturday, he stated that comparing Pune to Punjab based on a few drug-related incidents was inappropriate. “Pune is a city with a rich history and culture,” he said, urging people to refrain from making statements that could tarnish the city’s image.
Steps Taken by Authorities
- Suspension of Police Officers: Officers in the affected areas were suspended to ensure accountability and strict enforcement against drug-related activities.
- Dedicated Cell for Drug Cases: The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister ordered the establishment of a separate cell specifically for drug cases to streamline efforts and enhance the effectiveness of crackdowns.
- Ongoing Surveillance: Continuous monitoring and increased surveillance in known hotspots for drug trafficking have been implemented to curb the spread of illegal substances.
The Broader Context
Pune’s recent drug busts have brought the city’s challenges with drug trafficking to the forefront. However, authorities are keen on addressing these issues comprehensively. The comparison to Punjab, a state that faced significant drug problems, is seen as an exaggeration by local officials. Instead, the focus is on targeted actions and creating robust mechanisms to prevent the proliferation of drug trafficking in Pune.
MP Muralidhar Mohol’s proactive measures reflect a commitment to tackling the drug issue head-on while maintaining Pune’s integrity as a historically and culturally rich city. The administration’s swift response aims to reassure residents and stakeholders that concrete steps are being taken to address and mitigate the drug menace.
