MUMBAI: Suspended former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh on Friday contended before the Chandiwal commission that dismissed assistant police inspector Sachin Waze has neither disputed his allegations against the then home minister Anil Deshmukh nor denied disclosures to him, hence, his letter of March 20, 2021, addressed to the chief minister gives evidence of the offences committed by Deshmukh and his officials.
Singh, through his lawyer Anukul Seth, submitted a written note of his argument to the Justice (retd) K U Chandiwal commission which is probing corruption allegations levelled against Deshmukh by the former police chief.
In his note, Singh submitted that Waze had come to his office and told him that Deshmukh had set a target of mobilizing Rs 100 crore from bar and restaurant owners. He added that assistant commissioner of police Sanjay Patil had also informed him about the demand to make the collection for Deshmukh.
On the second term of inquiry-whether any commission of offence by Deshmukh is revealed from the allegations based on information received from Waze and Patil-Singh submitted that the issue is no longer up for debate in view of the findings of the Bombay high court, which were upheld by the Supreme Court.
Singh has suggested that there must be a mechanism for protection of whistleblowers and complainants who expose rampant corruption instead of victimization by transfer or suspension.
He also suggested that the visit of every police officer to the home minister or any other minister must be documented and the minutes must be maintained with details of purpose and persons attending, along with the time and duration of the meeting, to ensure transparency.
Singh further said that a forum must be created for orchestra bars, hookah bars and restaurants to address their grievances more effectively with protection to the complainant as such institutions are more prone to victimization and their complaints often go unnoticed.
Reacting sharply to Singh's submission, senior lawyer Shekhar Jagtap, appearing for Sanjeev Palande who was private secretary to Deshmukh, said: "Quite shocking. When the commission issued a notice to Singh for appearance, he did not attend. Later, he filed an affidavit that he does not want to lead evidence and is not keen on cross-examining anyone. He had voluntarily given up his right to participate in the proceedings before the commission and now he is making an attempt to participate surreptitiously. In fact, he had filed the affidavit through his power of attorney."
