Maharashtra: Pune police arrest three for helping drug case accused Lalit Patil flee

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The Crime Branch of Police in Pune has apprehended three individuals, including two women, for their alleged involvement in aiding the escape of drug case accused Lalit Patil from a government-run hospital in Pune. The accused are now in police custody.

The individuals arrested in this case were identified as Archana Nikam and Pradnya Kamble, both residents of Nashik. They were taken into custody by the Pune police's crime branch and subsequently presented before a court. The court has ordered that they remain in police custody until October 23.

Additionally, in a separate operation, the Sakinaka police in Mumbai arrested Sachin Raosaheb Wagh (30). He was allegedly in the company of Lalit Patil during the time when Patil managed to evade authorities after his escape on October 2.

The Pune Police informed the court that the two women, Archana Nikam and Pradnya Kamble, were in contact with Patil during his stay at the Sassoon hospital in Pune. During these interactions, a plan to assist in his escape was allegedly devised. The women are accused of providing Patil with Rs 25 lakh upon his arrival in Nashik after his escape.

Lalit Patil, who was initially arrested by the Pune police in a drug-related case and was admitted to the hospital for the treatment of tuberculosis three months ago, successfully escaped on October 2. He was later apprehended by a team of Sakinaka police in Bengaluru. This team was investigating a case involving a seizure of mephedrone worth Rs 300 crore, in which Patil was a prime accused.

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In a related development, Sachin Wagh was arrested by the Sakinaka police in Bengaluru from a hotel in the Chenna Sendra area. Notably, when Patil was arrested from his room at the same hotel, Wagh was not present, but he was later taken into custody.

During the time they were on the run, Wagh and Patil reportedly traveled in a Scorpio SUV, taking turns at the wheel.

Earlier, Pune Police had questioned individuals Shivaji Shinde and Rohit Choudhary, who had been previously arrested by the Sakinaka police. Shinde was believed to be involved in supplying chemicals for a drug manufacturing unit operated by Patil, and Choudhary had been working with Patil.

Additionally, Mumbai Police submitted a production warrant before the Pune court, seeking the custody of Lalit's brother, Bhushan Patil, and his associate, Abhishek Balkawade. Both are wanted in the Sakinaka drug haul case, and their police custody in Pune is set to conclude on Friday.

Former Shiv Sena MLA from Nashik, Yogesh Gholap, revealed that Lalit Patil had affiliations with the Republican Party of India and the Shiv Sena in the past. Gholap, who currently belongs to the Sena faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, indicated that Patil had even campaigned for him. However, he clarified that they had no knowledge of Patil's business activities.

This latest development in the case follows the pursuit of Lalit Patil, a key figure in a high-profile drug case, as well as the individuals who allegedly aided in his escape. Investigations continue into the matter. (With inputs from PTI)