Mumbai: Special MCOCA Court Denies Bail To Prison Guard Accused Of Helping Run MD Drug Network From Solapur Jail

Mumbai, August 15, 2026: A special MCOCA court has declined to grant bail to prison guard Balu Chavan, who is accused of helping alleged kingpin Faiyaz Shaikh run an illegal drug business from Solapur prison. Chavan was arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch following the seizure of a large supply of the banned narcotic MD in Satara.

The prosecution alleges that on December 8, 2025, police apprehended Salim Shaikh and Rayees Shaikh with 74 grams and 62 grams of MD, respectively. This led to a raid at a premises in Savari village, Satara, on December 13, 2025, where 7 kg and 518 grams of finished MD, along with substantial amounts of dried MD, were seized. Investigations revealed that the operation was directed by Faiyaz Shaikh, who allegedly used Chavan's mobile phone to communicate with accomplice Vishal More.

The court noted that Rs 45,000 was transferred from a relative of the accused into Chavan's bank account, supporting the prosecution's argument that Chavan facilitated the criminal activities. The accused claimed to be a government servant and claimed that Shaikh was only a prisoner in Solapur Jail, where he worked as a guard. However, the prosecution opposed the bail plea, arguing that Chavan facilitated the commission of organized crime and provided his mobile phone to Shaikh.

The court stated that as a prison guard, Chavan was not permitted to use his bank account to purchase daily needs from the jail canteen, and the bank account evidence is compelling.