Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
In a major crackdown on drug networks, police have submitted a list of 60 criminals involved in drug smuggling and peddling to the municipal corporation, seeking demolition of their illegal properties and recovery of pending water tax dues. Police commissioner Pravin Pawar said demolition will begin within eight days after verification and legal procedures, under police protection.
Over the past 20 days, police commissioner Pravin Pawar and deputy commissioner Ratnakar Navale have led an intensive drive against drug syndicates. In the first operation on January 25, the crime branch team led by senior police inspector Gajanan Kalyankar arrested 16 accused and seized narcotics worth Rs 13 lakh by February 7. The main kingpin, Ashfaq Patel, remains absconding, though his brother and 15 associates have been arrested. Police have also identified 46 more traffickers who are currently on the run.
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What the letter states
In a letter to municipal commissioner G. Sreekanth on Monday, police commissioner Pawar provided names, addresses, and property details of 60 offenders, stating that many constructions are unauthorized and allegedly used for drug-related activities, posing a threat to law and order. Police have requested demolition in compliance with High Court directives and assured full security support.
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Maximum smugglers from Jinsi and City Chowk
The list includes key accused such as Sheikh Ashfaq Sheikh Ishaq Patel, Dnyaneshwar alias Mauli Yadav, Syed Faizal alias Teja, Ajay and Rani Thakur, Anil Salve, Arun Malve, Adil Chaus, Vishwanath Pimpale, and Vishal Tamchikar. Most accused are from Jinsi, City Chowk, and Naregaon. Of 70 identified criminals, action against 60 will begin first. “Drug traffickers will now be targeted from all sides,” Pawar said.