Priests among suspects in Tuljapur drug seizure case

Mumbai: In a shocking development, around a dozen priests are suspected to be linked to a drug cartel in the temple town of Tuljapur in the Dharashiv district of Marathwada region of Maharashtra.

The Shree Tulja Bhavani Temple in Tuljapur, one of the 51 Shakti Peeths in India, was deeply revered by legendary Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji.

The Dharashiv district police has been investigating the matter since February 14, after a drug bust, during which mephedrone to the tune of Rs 2.5 lakh was seized at Tamalwadi checkpost on Solapur-Tuljapur Road in Maharashtra.

Dharashiv’s Superintendent of Police Sanjay Jadhav confirmed to the media about the possible involvement of some priests, but declined to name them or the exact numbers. “We shall investigate the accused persons based on the evidence available with us, irrespective of what position they hold…an accused will be treated as an accused,” Jadhav said.

“It would not be proper to point fingers at a particular profession,” he said when asked whether priests were involved in the drug trade.

Incidentally, some of the suspects are linked to political parties.

“There should be strict action against the accused…their political and social inclinations does not matter here…there should be a free and fair probe,” Leader of the Opposition in Legislative Council Ambadas Danve said.

“The number of arrests in the drug seizure case has gone up to 14. As per the investigation, the drugs reached Tuljapur from Mumbai. A woman (Sangita Gole) from Mumbai, her husband (Vaibhav Gole) and another person from there supplied drugs. The woman and another person were arrested earlier,” said Jadhav.

Meanwhile, Vipin Shinde, President of Palikar Pujari Mandal of Tuljapur, said the names of at least 11 priests have come forward. “But the majority of the priests named in the case don’t even come to the (Tulaja Bhavani) temple. So all the priests should not be defamed. Those priests who are found guilty will be banned,” he said, adding, “We have raised our voice against the narcotics racketeering thriving in Tuljapur for the last three years."