MUMBAI: The controversial former Mumbai police commissioner, Param Bir Singh, through a person holding power of attorney, has informed the Justice K U Chandiwal commission that it will not be possible for him to remain present owing to his limited mobility and health issues.
The affidavit filed on behalf of Singh said he did not wish to cross-examine any person and lead further evidence before the commission, following which the proceedings were adjourned to October 28. It is expected that on October 28, dismissed assistant police inspector Sachin Waze will be examined.
A man named Mahesh Panchal has submitted the affidavit on behalf of Singh and it has been affirmed in Chandigarh in August 2021. The affidavit states that whatever has to be conveyed was disclosed in Singh’s March 20 letter to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and the Supreme Court. It says that owing to limited mobility, health issues and a series of litigations, it will not be possible for him to remain present before the commission.
Following Singh’s March 20 letter against the then home minister Anil Deshmukh, the state government had on May 11, set up a one-man commission presided over by Justice Chandiwal to probe into the charges levelled by Singh, who had alleged that Deshmukh had set a target of Rs 100 crore to be collected from restaurant and bar owners in the city.
Despite summons being issued by the commission, Singh has never appeared before it. Subsequently, the commission had issued a bailable warrant against him. The state CID was entrusted with the responsibility to execute the warrant, but it was unable to do so.
During the course of hearing, Singh’s lawyer had challenged the validity of the commission on the ground that issues raised before the commission had already been adju-dicated by the Bombay high court. However, the commission had rejected his contention.
