Kalyan, April 14: In a major breakthrough in the high-profile NESCO Centre drugs party case, Mumbai Police have arrested alleged drug supplier Anand Patel, a Kalyan-based businessman, following a late-night raid that turned into a tense hour-long standoff.

According to officials, the operation was carried out with the assistance of Khadakpada Police after Mumbai Police received specific intelligence that Patel was hiding at his residence in Kalyan West. A police team immediately rushed to the location and coordinated with local authorities to execute the arrest.

Senior officers, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Atul Zende, were informed about the operation. Subsequently, a joint team led by Senior Police Inspector Amarnath Waghmode, along with officers Bhushan Devre, Kiran Shirke, Sanjay Chavan, Kundan Bhamre, and Suraj Khandale, reached the upscale Mohan Heights residential complex where Patel resides.

At the premises, police first encountered Patel’s father, Lakhan Patel, a businessman, who allegedly tried to mislead the officers by claiming that his son was not in Kalyan and had gone out of town. He also reportedly attempted to evade questioning, which further raised suspicion among the police team.

Acting on strong intelligence inputs, police escorted Lakhan Patel to the eighth-floor apartment. However, despite repeated knocking and instructions, the occupants refused to open the door. The situation soon escalated into a tense standoff, with police waiting outside for nearly an hour.

Officials made it clear that they would not leave without taking Patel into custody. Eventually, after continuous persuasion and intervention by his father, Anand Patel opened the door and was immediately detained by the police. Sources revealed that Patel had celebrated his birthday just two days earlier, and several relatives were present inside the house during the raid.

Following his detention, Khadakpada Police formally handed him over to Mumbai Police for further investigation in the NESCO drugs party case.

Preliminary investigation suggests that Patel, who claims to be a builder, played a key role in supplying drugs at the party. He is believed to have acted as a crucial link between the party organiser and drug suppliers. Police are now probing his wider network and suspect that he may have been involved in drug distribution activities in Kalyan and nearby areas as well.

Officials also stated that Patel’s father, Lakhan Patel, has multiple criminal cases registered against him, and his role, if any, will also be examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Further investigation is underway, and more arrests are likely as the probe deepens.

Mumbai: In a strong show of concern over rising drug-related threats, senior members of the All India Sunni Jamiyatul Ulama on Monday met Commissioner of Mumbai Police Deven Bharti, urging immediate and stringent action against drug peddlers allegedly involved in the assault on Sayed Khalid Ashraf Sahab, a religious figure known for his anti-drug awareness work.

The delegation, led by President Sayed Moinuddin Ashraf (Moin Miyan) and Vice President Mohammed Saeed Noori, submitted a formal letter highlighting the seriousness of the incident. They stressed that the attack was not merely targeted at an individual but posed a direct threat to ongoing efforts aimed at curbing drug abuse among youth.

According to the letter dated April 13, Sayed Khalid Ashraf Sahab, associated with the historic Khanqah Ashrafia in Kichchoucha Sharif, Uttar Pradesh, has been actively campaigning to steer young individuals away from narcotics and promote healthier lifestyles. His work, the delegation noted, has allegedly drawn hostility from those involved in illegal drug trade.

Calling the assault “deeply concerning,” the leaders warned that failure to act decisively could discourage social reformers and activists from continuing their efforts against substance abuse. They emphasised that such incidents undermine broader societal attempts to tackle the growing menace of drugs.

In their appeal, the delegation urged the Mumbai Police to initiate a swift and thorough investigation, identify and apprehend those responsible, and take exemplary action against drug peddlers operating in the area. They also sought adequate protection for individuals working on anti-drug initiatives, citing potential risks posed by criminal elements.

The representation further underlined that prompt police action would not only ensure justice in the present case but also reinforce public confidence in law enforcement agencies. It added that strong measures are essential to send a clear message that violence against those working for societal welfare will not be tolerated.

The incident has also raised serious concerns about the growing nexus between drug networks and intimidation tactics, particularly targeting those working at the grassroots to combat substance abuse. It underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement, community protection measures, and sustained awareness efforts to ensure that individuals advocating for social reform are not silenced through fear or violence.

Mumbai: A minor collision between two two-wheelers escalated into a violent assault in South Mumbai’s Dongri area, leaving three persons injured. Dongri Police have arrested three accused, One minor detained and are searching for others involved in the attack.

According to police, the incident took place on April 12, at around 7:30 pm, when the complainant’s son, Syed Mohammad Ashraf (30), was returning home on his scooter through Pala Galli. A minor collision occurred between his scooter and a motorcycle ridden by the son of a local resident, identified as Majid Lala.

When Ashraf questioned the youth about the collision, the latter allegedly abused him in filthy language and behaved aggressively. The situation escalated when the youth made a video call to his father, Majid Lala, during which both allegedly hurled abuses at Ashraf.

Later, at around 7:40 pm, the complainant, Syed Mohammad Khalid Ashraf (64), along with his two sons, was heading on scooters to attend a family function. When they reached Nishanpada Road near Dawood Fazal School, a group of 10–12 persons allegedly intercepted them.

One of the accused, identified as Piru, allegedly shouted, “This is the same person who speaks against drugs,” following which the group began abusing the victims. Despite the complainant identifying himself and attempting to pacify them, the mob allegedly attacked the family using chairs, sticks, bamboo poles, and a wooden ladder.

In the assault, the complainant’s elder son, Syed Moheej Ashraf, sustained serious injuries on his left hand and other parts of the body. The younger son, Syed Peer Zahid Shahid Ashraf, suffered injuries to his back and waist, while the complainant also sustained injuries on his hands and legs.

Based on the complaint, a case has been registered at Dongri Police Station against Majid Lala and others, including Raheel, Sahil, Zihan, and Arbaaz, along with 4–5 unidentified persons, for assault, abuse, and attempt to murder.

Dongri Police have arrested three accused, identified as Mohammad Jayan Parvez Khan (24), Mohammad Raheel Majid Khan (18), and Majid Khalid Khan (45), all residents of Dongri. One minor has detained. Efforts are underway to trace the remaining accused. Further investigation is in progress.