A major drug bust operation in Maharashtra has put a Shiv Sena leader in the spotlight, drawing political criticism from the Congress party. More than 10 kilograms of synthetic drugs (MD) were seized in a police raid conducted by the Mumbai Crime Branch, and three people — including a local resident — were arrested in connection with the case. The alleged drug manufacturing unit was reportedly operating out of a buffalo shed that police later demolished.
The controversy revolves around the alleged link to a Shiv Sena leader from the Eknath Shinde faction, who owns the Tejas Hotel in Thane. Authorities found that food supplied to workers at the drug manufacturing site came from this hotel. Although police have not confirmed the leader’s direct role in the illicit activities, the connection has raised serious questions and triggered further investigation.
With the Maharashtra Assembly’s Winter Session ongoing in Nagpur, the case has quickly become a political flashpoint. State Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal took to social media to demand clarity from the Home Department, questioning whether the property and individuals associated with it had ties to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s circle and whether other illegal activities might be involved. Congress has strongly pressed for transparency and accountability in the probe.
The developing situation highlights rising political tensions in the state as law enforcement actions intersect with party rivalries, with both governance and political accountability under public scrutiny.