Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh has told the Commission set up to probe corruption allegations against former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh that he doesn’t have any further evidence to share on the matter.
The affidavit was filed last week before retired Justice K.U. Chandiwal committee appointed to probe the letter written by Mr. Singh alleging that Mr. Deshmukh had directed suspended police sub-inspector Sachin Vaze to collect ₹100 crore.
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The Commission on September 22 had issued the second bailable warrant against Mr. Singh for not appearing before it. On the same day, a sealed envelope was given to the Commission by the SP, CID, on how efforts were made to locate Mr. Singh to execute the first bailable warrant issued on September 7, but to no avail. In June, the Commission had imposed fine of ₹5,000 and ₹25,000 twice in July for repeatedly not appearing before it.
Advocate Anita Constellino representing Mr. Deshmukh told The Hindu “the affidavit was filed through a power of attorney holder and he does not want to come forward for a cross-examination”.
The case dates back to March 20, 2021 when Mr. Singh wrote a letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray accusing Mr. Deshmukh of abusing his position and powers to seek illegal monetary benefits. The letter alleged instances of Mr. Deshmukh directing Mr. Vaze and others to collect ₹100 crore from bars and restaurants over a month.
The inquiry committee had also directed Mr. Singh to appear before the Commission on August 6. However, he did not comply and moved the Bombay High Court challenging the legality and powers of the Commission.
