MUMBAI: Days after former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh, who faces a slew of extortion charges, appeared for questioning before the police in his official vehicle, an embarrassed Maharashtra government has ordered a probe.
Singh, who spent months in hiding after accusing former home minister Anil Deshmukh of corruption, also visited the office of the Home Guards, where he was posted as director general after being shunted as police commissioner.
State home minister Dilip Walse Patil said a probe has been ordered into Singh’s use of the official car. “This was wrong. He was not on duty and there is an absconding warrant against him. He should not have used a government vehicle or machinery. We have asked for an inquiry,” he said.
When asked why the state is dragging its feet on Singh’s suspension, he said, “The process is on and the result will soon be out.” He further said that Singh had visited the office of the Home Guards, but not assumed charge. “He sat outside in the waiting room,” Walse Patil said.
By now, Singh has cocked a snook at the government multiple times. He succeeded in getting protection from arrest from the Supreme Court, with the state failing to file a caveat which would have allowed them to plead their case. He also managed to have a one-hour meeting with dismissed API Sachin Waze in a room next to the courtroom of the K U Chandiwal commission, a matter which is being probed by the police.
When asked about the Waze-Parambir meeting, Walse-Patil said, “This was wrong. Any accused in judicial custody cannot meet someone from outside without the permission of the court.”
Many are now questioning whether the police or officialdom is shielding Singh. However, Walse Patil denied this. “There is no question of pressure. Since Singh has protection from arrest through the SC, he is meeting with police authorities and responding to their queries,” he said.
Five FIRs have been registered against Singh on charges of extortion. He also faces two inquiries by the anti-corruption bureau. The Chandiwal panel is probing Singh’s allegations against Deshmukh.
