14 April,2026 06:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Harshvardhan Sapkal. Pic/Maharashtra Congress
The Congress on Tuesday strongly criticised the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra following the deaths of two students due to suspected drug overdose, calling the administration "inept and shameless" and accusing it of failing to curb the growing drug problem among youth.
The remarks were made by Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal, who alleged that the state's governance failures have allowed drug abuse to spread unchecked.
According to the police, the incident occurred on Sunday after a music concert held in Goregaon, Mumbai. The deceased were students of a city-based management institute and were part of a group of around 15 individuals.
Preliminary information suggests that the group had consumed ecstasy before entering the venue and also consumed alcohol during the event. The deaths have raised concerns over the availability and use of narcotic substances at large public gatherings.
Sapkal questioned how such a large gathering, where drugs and alcohol were allegedly consumed openly, went undetected by authorities.
He said the incident pointed to a major lapse by the Mumbai Police and the state's Home Department, adding that it reflected poorly on the administrative machinery responsible for maintaining law and order.
The Congress leader also demanded clarity on permissions granted for the event at the NESCO complex in Goregaon, raising concerns about regulatory oversight.
In his statement, Sapkal alleged that the drug trade is flourishing across Maharashtra with the "blessings of those in power." He cited past cases in cities such as Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Solapur to support his claims.
He further alleged that investigations in drug-related cases were often diluted and that accused individuals were given undue relief, suggesting possible political interference.
Sapkal also targeted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who currently holds the Home portfolio, accusing him of failing to control the situation.
"If he cannot handle the Home Department, he is unfit to run the state," Sapkal said, demanding accountability from the government over the incident.
Meanwhile, Supriya Sule termed the incident "extremely worrisome" and called for a thorough police inquiry.
She urged the Home Department to take immediate action and ensure that those responsible are held accountable, while also stressing the need for stronger measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The incident has sparked a broader political debate over rising drug use among young people in Maharashtra, with opposition parties accusing the government of failing to take adequate preventive and enforcement measures.
