Mumbai, Oct 19: Commending the Mumbai Police for the apprehension of drug mafia Lalit Patil, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Nana Patole has raised crucial questions regarding the broader nexus behind the narcotics trade. In a press statement released on Wednesday, Patole acknowledged the police’s efforts in seizing a substantial quantity of narcotic drugs in the state over the past few days.
Expressing concern, Patole asserted that such an extensive narcotics operation could not thrive without political patronage. He pointed to recent drug seizures in Nashik and Solapur MIDC as alarming instances, underscoring the need to scrutinize the deeper connections.
Patole highlighted Lalit Patil’s involvement in the drug case and his subsequent admission of receiving protection. The Congress leader stated, “We had previously warned that efforts were being made to shield Patil. Today, our claims have proven to be true as Patil himself has admitted that he was being protected.”
Demanding a thorough investigation to unveil the entire case, the MPCC chief posed critical questions: “Who is backing the illicit world of drugs? Who is supporting individuals like Lalit Patil?” Patole emphasized that Maharashtra, as a civilized and progressive state, cannot afford to tolerate such incidents.
Accusing the BJP-led tripartite government of tarnishing the state’s reputation, Patole criticized its failure to generate employment opportunities for the youth. He lamented the rising unemployment rates, stating, “No government jobs are being filled. Private companies are employing the youth on a contractual basis, exploiting them.” Patole also drew attention to the lure of the drug world, asserting that the BJP government is indirectly contributing to the youth’s path towards destruction.
This statement reflects the Congress leader’s concerns about the potential political involvement behind the drug trade and the need for a comprehensive investigation to expose the masterminds orchestrating such activities.
