While the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP Supriya Sule had been targeting Nashik guardian minister Dada Bhuse over the links with drug mafia member, the Shiv Sena on Wednesday came out with photographs of one of the accused in the case with various NCP leaders and in party functions and asked the NCP to explain the links between the accused in the case and the senior leaders like Jitendra Awhad and Supriya Sule.
"Lalit Patil was arrested in the Nashik drugs haul case. It has now come forth that he was with Uddhav Thackeray in 2020. Photographs of ShivaBandhan being tied on his wrist too had gone viral. During the investigation a few more names have come forth. One of the big names is Salman Phalke. He was arrested with 54 gm drugs on him. In several photographs this Phalke is seen with former minister Jitendra Awhad and NCP MP Supriya Sule. Phalke is also said to be a close associate of TMC opposition leader Shanu Pathan. Now, those, like Awhad, who had been levelling baseless allegations against Shiv Sena should explain these photographs," Shiv Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande said at a press conference while presenting the photographs before the media.
"These photographs speak a lot. The police have been investigating the case. We would like them to explore the angle of political patronage given to the suspects in the case," Kayande said and added, " We shall demand for an in-depth investigation from this angle."
Meanwhile, Salman Phalke, who was arrested while transporting drugs was sent to five-day judicial custody, police said.
