Maharashtra Police Proposes Demolition of Unauthorized Properties Linked to Drug Offenders
In a groundbreaking initiative within the state, the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city police commissioner has formally requested the municipal corporation to demolish allegedly unauthorized houses and buildings belonging to 60 individuals accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The police assert that these premises were utilized for the storage and sale of contraband, representing a significant escalation in anti-narcotics enforcement.
Formal Communication and Legal Procedure
On Monday, Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar addressed a detailed letter to Municipal Commissioner G Shreekanth, enclosing a comprehensive list of the 60 accused along with their residential addresses. In the communication, Pawar urged the civic body to verify the legality of these constructions and initiate demolition proceedings if they are found to be unauthorized, following due legal procedure and in compliance with high court directives.
Pawar emphasized that multiple cases have been registered at various police stations in the city against these accused under the NDPS Act and other relevant sections. "Investigations revealed that these accused repeatedly stored and sold narcotic substances, with their residential properties often serving as hubs for illegal drug trade," he wrote. The police chief further noted suspicions that the houses and structures where the accused resided are unauthorized, adversely affecting law and order in neighborhoods.
First-of-its-Kind Proposal in Maharashtra
Speaking to media, Pawar confirmed that this proposal marks the first time any police commissionerate in Maharashtra has formally initiated such action in connection with NDPS offences. "We have identified habitual offenders with criminal cases, including narcotics-related ones. If these constructions are illegal, municipal laws must be enforced, and we will provide adequate security during any demolition drive," he stated.
The police department annexed a list of registered offences against each accused to assist civic authorities in making informed decisions. They requested the municipal corporation to complete necessary legal scrutiny and proceed with demolition as per law if violations are confirmed.
Background and Impact
Officials in the civic body acknowledged receipt of the letter and stated that the matter will be examined according to statutory provisions. This proposed action aligns with an intensified crackdown by city police on drug trafficking networks, with numerous NDPS cases registered over the past 20 months across various police stations.
If implemented, the demolition drive could signify a major shift in enforcement strategy against narcotics-related offences in the Marathwada region, targeting properties used for illicit activities.
Notable Accused and Statistics
The list includes hardened criminals such as:
- Anil Malwe (29 cases)
- Adil Bin Hamad Chaush (23 cases)
- Sachin Tribhuvan (21 cases)
- Dnyaneshwar alias Mauli Yadav (23 cases)
- Arbaz alias Guddu Deshmukh (19 cases)
- Shaikh Ashfaq Patel (6 cases)
Authorities reported that these individuals have numerous body and property offences in addition to NDPS cases. Recent data highlights the escalating drug menace:
- Yearly Actions: 2021: 26, 2022: 58, 2023: 86, 2024: 146, 2025: 283
- Accused Count: 2021: 67, 2022: 99, 2023: 125, 2024: 236, 2025: 337
- Seizure Value: 2021: 87.99 Lakh, 2022: 63.44 Lakh, 2023: 53.18 Lakh, 2024: 2.28 Crore, 2025: 2.82 Crore
This comprehensive approach underscores the police's commitment to combating drug trafficking through innovative legal measures.
