Ahead of Maharashtra civic polls, Sanjay Raut targets CM Fadnavis over law and order, Satara drug case

“If ministers speak in the Assembly about strict action and claim that no one will be spared, then how do ministers’ sons, brothers or close relatives manage to evade the law?” Raut asked, alleging selective enforcement and political interference in police functioning.

Raut also flagged the alleged drug manufacturing unit unearthed in Satara district, questioning the progress of the investigation.

He claimed that the identities of the key conspirators were known to the government, but that the case was allowed to weaken due to pressure from senior political figures.

According to Raut, while Mumbai Police conducted the raid, subsequent attempts were made to obstruct the investigation.

Targeting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Raut alleged that the land linked to the drug case was connected to Shinde’s family. He further claimed that a former Mumbai police officer with close political links was associated with the alleged drug operation.

Raut said he would disclose names at a later stage.

He also alleged that the Satara police initially attempted to dilute the case and that interference from the Home Department and senior officers resulted in the matter being stalled.

“Such serious cases being allowed to go cold raises concerns about governance and accountability,” he said.

On the broader political situation, Raut said that if leaders currently aligned with the BJP were willing to work towards defeating the party, they should be welcomed. He added that political realignments were natural ahead of elections and should be viewed in that context.