Mumbai:
The political temperature in Maharashtra escalated on Saturday after Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam demanded a narcoanalysis test of former Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey, alleging his involvement in a conspiracy to falsely implicate Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during the tenure of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.
Addressing the media, Satam claimed that during the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA regime, there was a systematic misuse of the police machinery to target political opponents. He alleged that Sanjay Pandey was instructed to orchestrate the arrest of Devendra Fadnavis—then the Leader of the Opposition—on fabricated charges, and that this task was delegated to two senior police officers.
According to Satam, officers identified as Laxmikant Patil and Sardar Patil were allegedly pressured to “manufacture a case” against Fadnavis. He said these allegations find mention in a confidential report submitted by former Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla to the state government shortly before her retirement.
“Given the gravity of these revelations, a narco test of Sanjay Pandey is essential to uncover who was giving instructions and who the real mastermind behind this conspiracy was,” Satam said, asserting that the truth must be placed before the public.
Drawing parallels with previous controversial episodes during the MVA regime, Satam cited cases involving police officers such as Sachin Waze, alleging a broader pattern of lawlessness and political interference within the police force at the time. He claimed that serious crimes occurred with the alleged involvement of police personnel, raising questions about governance and accountability.
Satam also pointed out that Pandey himself had faced enforcement action in the past, including arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the NSE phone-tapping case, and is currently out on bail. “These matters are still under judicial consideration, but they add to the seriousness of the allegations,” he said.
The BJP leader urged the state government to order a comprehensive probe into the matter, stressing that no individual, irrespective of rank or past position, should be above scrutiny.
The allegations come amid heightened political activity ahead of civic and local body elections in Maharashtra, with the BJP sharpening its attack on the opposition over issues of governance, law enforcement, and alleged abuse of power during the previous regime.
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