MoS Murlidhar Mohol and MP Sanjay Raut ‘Clash’ Over Pune Drug Scandal
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pune, 29th June 2024: In the past year, Pune Police have confiscated drugs worth thousands of crores in the Pune district through various raids. Last week, a video went viral showing youth taking drugs at a hotel on Pune’s famous Fergusson College (FC) Road. Pune Police arrested the hotel operator and the party organizer involved and registered a case.
Opposition parties heavily criticized the Maharashtra State Government in response to this incident. Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticized Union Minister of State and newly elected Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol in connection with the incident, and Mohol responded to him as well.
Speaking on the issue of drugs in Pune city, Thackeray group leader MP Sanjay Raut stated, “Police took action after discovering a stock of drugs in Pune city, but that action seemed staged. Without the support of politicians and assistance from the police, it’s unlikely drug dealing can happen.”
Indirectly targeting MoS Murlidhar Mohol, Raut continued, “Drugs are being transported to many parts of the country through Gujarat, and Pune and Nashik have become hubs for drugs in our Maharashtra State. Whenever a drug case surfaces in Pune, it’s met with aggressive action. Will this approach reduce drug trafficking in Pune? Now that Pune has a Minister at the Centre (Muralidhar Mohol), the city’s problems, which include social issues alongside development, need attention. Plans like ‘Ladle Bhau’ and ‘Ladle Bahin’ are fine, but every ‘Bhau’ in every household is grappling with drug addiction. They need help, and we must address the root causes of drug abuse. In this context, the citizens of Pune must stand up against drugs.”
MoS Murlidhar Mohol said, “As soon as the incident on FC Road came to light, the police officers in the concerned police station limits were suspended. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are closely monitoring this serious issue. Orders have also been issued to establish a separate cell for drug cases to investigate the source of drugs and their users. Action is being taken against those involved.”
In response to Raut, Mohol stated, “When discussing any issue, one must have concrete evidence in hand rather than relying on mere feelings. People in the state observe daily criticisms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, and protests from the opposition for personal gain. Therefore, opponents should refrain from tarnishing the reputation of my city, whether they are local or outside leaders.”
