Journalism of Courage
Playing down the alleged involvement of NCP MLA Gulabrao Deokar in the Jalgaon Housing Scam,State Home Minister RR Patil said on Monday that those demanding Deokars arrest were politically motivated.
We will not shield anyone. The police action being taken is based on evidence. The roles played by the various parties involved would be investigated and action would be taken. Nobody should indulge in making baseless allegations, Patil said.
Several people including social activist Anna Hazare have demanded Deokars arrest. Shiv Sena MLA and former state minister Suresh Jain was arrested on Saturday.
Commenting on the illegal opium plantations,which were discovered in five districts of the state including Pune,Patil said those involved will be dealt with.Many farmers who were allegedly caught growing the illegal narcotic crop have claimed they were growing it for Khas Khas,a spice.
Those growing poppy smaller quantities will have to face legal action, the minister said.
Over 50 people,including farmers have been arrested in connection with the growing and transporting of the poppy crop,which is banned under Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act,1985.
