Cruise case extortion claims: Nawab Malik alleges link between Devendra Fadnavis and drug peddler

Malik alleged that IRS officer Sameer Wankhede was brought in the federal anti-drug agency at the behest of Fadnavis

In what appears to be a 'crackling' face-off in Maharashtra politics, the state’s minority affairs minister and NCP chief spokesperson Nawab Malik alleged that leader of opposition in Assembly Devendra Fadnavis has links with the drug-mafia.

The former chief minister reiterated saying that post-Diwali he would reveal proof of Malik’s relations with the underworld and tender the documents before NCP supremo Sharad Pawar.

Malik named one Jaydeep Rana, who is now under arrest in a drugs case.

"One Jaydeep Rana currently in jail in connection with a drug trafficking case has relations with Fadnavis. He was the financial head of the famous River March anthem which involved his wife Amrita Fadnavis," Malik told reporters and tweeted separate photos of Rana with Fadnavis and his wife.

Also read: Nawab Malik claims Wankhede warned him of 'dire consequences'

“It's a matter related to the drug business in Maharashtra,” he said.

"What is the connection of this drug peddler with BJP?…how is Fadnavis linked to him?” he wanted to know.

Malik also alleged that Sameer Wankhede - the controversial high-profile IRS officer - was brought into the NCB at the behest of Fadnavis. “Wankhede is the kingpin who is running a drug racket in Mumbai... He was brought in by (Devendra) Fadnavis,” he said.

“For 14 years, he has been working in Mumbai,” he said and reiterated that Wankhede is a Muslim by birth but has used the benefits of reservation to secure a job.

He also alleged that a person named Neeraj Gunde who is allegedly linked to Fadnavis used to visit the NCB office often. “When Fadnavis was chief minister, he met him often,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fadnavis said Rana was a person hired by an organisation called River March.

"This person clicked pictures with everyone, including my wife and me," Fadnavis said, adding that he would expose Malik's links with the underworld.

"Those who have relations with the underworld should not speak about me. I will present evidence of Nawab Malik's relations with the underworld. I am waiting for Diwali to pass…will do the dhamaka here,” he said.

To this, Malik tweeted: “I am ready.”

Fadnavis said: ”Neither my wife nor I have any relations with that person. He is making allegations against the BJP based on just one picture. His son-in-law was caught with drugs, does that make NCP a party of drug suppliers?”.

On Gunde, he said Malik should seek more details from Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray. “I had visited Matoshree less times than Gunde,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fadnavis’s counterpart in Council Pravin Darekar said that Malik is now making personal remarks.

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