Mumbai, March 11 Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab suggested the Maharashtra government form an "encounter" squad to eliminate members of narcotics syndicates and plan operations in such a way that questions will not be raised.
Speaking in the legislative council, he justified the demand by recalling the formation of encounter squads by previous governments to bring gang wars in Mumbai under control (in the 1970s).
"No one will ask you if you eliminate them. Do it within the framework of rules. No one will ask you," the former minister said while intervening in a discussion on the drug menace during question hour.
He said even Akshay Shinde, accused of sexually assaulting two kindergarten girls in Badlapur, was killed by police in an encounter.
"Eliminate two to four individuals. We will provide you with the necessary justification," Parab added, appealing to the government.
He said gang wars in Mumbai had been brought under control by police through encounter operations.
Parab asked the Mahayuti government to crush the menace of illicit drug trade by also acting against educated chemists who are preparing such chemicals, and not just act against peddlers and "dummies".
"They are destroying an entire generation," Parab said, and appealed to the government to act courageously.
Members of other parties present in the council listened attentively to Parab.
His colleague from Congress and MLC Satej Patil looked visibly surprised.
Patil wondered whether Maharashtra is becoming a drug capital and whether the future generation is adversely affected.
MoS for Home, Yogesh Kadam, informed the council that the MCOCA was invoked in 14 cases of narcotics, and an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has been formed to deal with the illicit drug trade.
The government has so far sacked 15 police personnel and suspended ten others, believed to be either involved or aiding drug peddling.
Patil, meanwhile, pointed out that the government has so far filled only 146 of the 346 approved posts in ANTF, prompting Kadam to assure of recruiting others within six months.