Strict Action Against Those Involved in Drug Trafficking – Guardian Minister Chandrakant Patil

Sangli : Focus has been intensified on making Sangli district free of drugs, and the police force should remain vigilant in this matter. A thorough investigation should be conducted into drug trafficking cases, and the police must address the root cause of these issues. The police department should not show any leniency or mercy towards the culprits and must take strict action against them, said Chandrakant Patil, Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Parliamentary Affairs, and Guardian Minister of the district, today.

He was speaking at the district law and order review meeting. The meeting, held at the Police Headquarters conference room, was attended by Police Superintendent Sandeep Ghuge, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ritu Khokar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Home) Dadasaheb Chudappa, Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPO) Praneel Gilda from Miraj, M. Vimala from Sangli city, Mangesh Chavan from Islampur, Sachin Salunkhe from Jath, and Sachin Thorbole from Tasgaon.

Minister Patil said, “The menace of drugs has reached our doorstep. Therefore, even common citizens must remain vigilant at all times. Instead of adopting an attitude of what to do for the future of our children, we must immediately share any information we receive regarding such matters with the police. The identity of the informant will be kept confidential.”

Minister Patil also urged institutions that are raising awareness about the harmful effects of drugs to take the initiative. They should collaborate with the police department and present their plans. The expenses related to this awareness campaign will be covered by the District Planning Committee or CSR funds. However, he emphasized that simply spreading awareness will not solve the issue. The police force should take no leniency in such cases, he stated.

In relation to creating a comprehensive plan for the police force, Minister Patil mentioned, “This plan will include provisions for welfare funds for the police, updated resources, arrangements for information gathering, and financial assistance for informers, among other aspects. In the coming days, we will formulate a comprehensive plan. We will praise those who perform well in a timely manner, but those who misbehave will be dealt with by the government.” He also suggested that during every visit, the police department should conduct a detailed review of each department.

During the meeting, Minister Patil reviewed the law and order situation in the district. Police Superintendent Sandeep Ghuge presented a review of the police department’s performance in recent months. Minister Patil congratulated the police force for their action in the 30-crore drug case in Vita. He also praised the local crime investigation team for their efforts and awarded certificates and cash prizes to Police Inspector Satish Shinde, Assistant Police Inspector Pankaj Pawar, Head Constable Sagar Tingre, and Naresh Kharat on behalf of the police department. As announced on Republic Day, they will also be honored with a prize of ten thousand rupees at the District Planning Committee meeting.