Nashik MLAs criticize police for failing to curb illegal sale of drugs

Nashik: Several MLAs expressed their anger against the city and the rural police for their alleged “apathy” in controlling the illegal sale of drugs and liquor in different parts of the city and the district.BJPs Nashik Central MLA Devyani Pharande, Nashik West MLA Seema Hiray and Deola MLA Dr Rahul Aher as well as NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) Deolali MLA Saroj Ahire raised the issue during a meeting on drug abuse that was chaired by district guardian minister Dada Bhuse. Nashik collector Jalaj Sharma, police commissioner Ankush Shinde and SP Shahji Umap also attended the meeting.Pharande alleged that over the past two years, she has been regularly registering complaints with the police about clandestine sale of different drugs. She claimed she had also given peddlers’ names and phone numbers to the police. “Although I have been repeatedly promised that action would be taken, nothing has been done so far,” said Pharande.Speaking at the meeting, Pharande said the network of drug peddlers has spread across the city, especially near educational institutions. “Paan stalls have mushroomed near the educational institutions, and many of them even sell drugs,” Pharande said.Saroj Ahire mentioned two incidents of drugs being sold. She said the incidents took place in busy areas, and the people approaching the peddlers looked very casual — as if buying drugs was a very commonplace thing. She said that both times, she had called senior police officials and they had promised that cops would reach the spot soon. “But what happened shocked me. Those peddlers received calls on their phones, and they hurriedly packed up and fled. The police teams arrived a few minutes later. I fear there is a nexus between some cops and the peddlers,” said Ahire.Deola MLA Dr Aher said rallies, skits and conventional methods of spreading awareness are not yielding results. “The police have to act and show their presence on the ground. When they take action, they set an example and instil fear in the hearts of antisocial elements,” said Aher.Bhuse assured them that there will be a crackdown. “I have told all the agencies concerned — police, health, excise, food and drugs — to take steps in the next eight days, and the results should be visible. If the activities still continue, then the officer of department concerned will face action,” said Bhuse. Bhuse also announced helplines – 6262256363 and 8263998062 — on which people can register complaints about illegal activities. ‘I am open to investigation’Bhuse said he was open to any investigation into the allegations that drug-making unit operator Bhushan Patil had his (Bhuse’s) blessings. “I have asked the police to find the root of these illegal businesses, check phone call details and identify the people involved (even if it is me, the guardian minister) who may be helping such activities.