Preparation for clean sweep in Maharashtra, high-level meeting of CM Fadnavis, action will be taken on Ashok Kharat case and drugs network.

News India Live, Digital Desk: Maharashtra Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis held an important review meeting with senior officials of the Home Department on Saturday (April 18). In this meeting, strict instructions have been given regarding the law and order of the state, the growing drugs network and the recently discussed Ashok Kharat Case. Fadnavis has made it clear that no person involved in serious matters like crime and conversion will be spared. Ashok Kharat case: ED raid and SIT investigation intensified In the meeting, a detailed review of the ongoing action against Nashik’s self-styled ‘religious leader’ Ashok Kharat was done. Kharat faces serious allegations of sexual exploitation, extortion and religious manipulation. ED’s action: Enforcement Directorate (ED) has so far raided Kharat’s locations and frozen assets and cash worth crores. SIT’s instructions: The Chief Minister has directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate Kharat’s ‘economic empire’ and the white-collar faces hidden behind it. ‘Zero tolerance’ against drugs and Operation ThunderChief Minister Fadnavis sought progress report of ‘Operation Thunder’ to curb the growing drug trade. He has instructed the police department to break the ‘forward and backward’ links of the drugs supply chain and send the main kingpins behind bars. Fadnavis said that a policy of ‘zero tolerance’ will be adopted against the drug mafias who are playing with the future of the youth in the state. Strict vigil on anti-conversion law and implementation of ‘Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026’ passed by the Maharashtra Assembly were also discussed. The Chief Minister said that in cases of fraud, luring or forced conversion, the police have been ordered to immediately register FIR. Fadnavis asked the officials to ensure that this law is strictly followed so that exploitation of innocent people can be stopped. Chief Minister’s blunt review on law and order During the meeting, the Chief Minister made it clear that the police has been given a free hand against the elements who tarnish the image of Maharashtra. He has also asked to keep a close watch on those spreading misleading news on social media and those who disturb communal harmony. Fadnavis has ordered the Home Department to submit progress reports on all these major cases within the next 15 days.