The Maharashtra government has decided to suspend the permit of Konduskar Travels after its owner's brother was allegedly found in possession of psychotropic drug mephedrone, the Legislative Council was informed today.
The announcement was made by Minister of State for Home Ranjit Patil during a discussion on the mephedrone menace in Mumbai.
Jayant Patil (PWP) demanded the suspension of the permit after Ravindra Konduskar, brother of Abhijit Konduskar, owner of the travel firm, was arrested along with three others for possessing the contraband early this week.
Abhijit, who also owns a pharma firm Kumud Drugs, had been arrested by DRI in 2011 in connection with the illegal manufacture of ketamine.
The drug issue was raised by Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde who alleged the raw material for mephedrone, said to be popular among college and school students in Mumbai, comes from Gujarat.
In his reply to the discussion, Ranjit Patil said, "We will conduct a detailed inquiry into affairs of Konduskar Travels and suspend their licence. The raw material of the drug comes from East Africa, southern states and Rajasthan. We have brought the drug under the ambit of NDPS Act that puts the onus on the accused to prove his innocence."
Munde also raised the issue of a police constable arrested for possession of mephedrone, popularly known as meow -meow and M-Cat.
Police seized over 100kg of the drug from the residence of Dharmraj Kalonkhe, posted at Marine Drive police station here, in his native village in Satara district.
Mephedrone-like substance was also found from his locker at Marine Drive police station.
Munde demanded the suspension of senior officials attached to the police station in South Mumbai.
"The constable is a small catch but what about the higher ups involved in the case?" Munde asked.
The minister assured the House that nobody, small or big, will be spared.
