CBI registers FIR against former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh in corruption case

The agency is carrying out searches at various places

In a major jolt to the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, the CBI has registered an FIR against former Maharashtra Home Minister and senior NCP leader Anil Deshmukh, who is facing charges of corruption.

CBI teams from Mumbai and New Delhi conducted searches in his bungalow in Nagpur, his official bungalow and private residence in Mumbai.

Deshmukh was grilled by CBI for nearly 10 hours in Nagpur – the second prolonged grilling session in a fortnight’s time.

“The CBI team had visited…I have extended full cooperation from my side…Covid-19 cases are on rise in Nagpur…I am now heading for Katol and Narkhed to inspect Covid isolation centres,” Deshmukh said.

In the FIR, the CBI has said prima facie 'cognisable offence' is made out against Deshmukh and others pertaining to alleged corruption and misuse of power.

“Deshmukh and some others had attempted to take undue advantage for improper and dishonest performance of their public duty,” it said.

The case was registered under section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act and section 120 B of the Indian Penal Code.

The development has led to a war of words between the MVA and the opposition BJP.

Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh has alleged that Deshmukh has fixed Rs 100 crore “collection target” for Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Vaze.

Read | Maharashtra orders inquiry against Param Bir Singh over graft charges

Vaze is the main accused in the planting of an explosives-laden Scorpio SUV near Antilia, the Carmichael Road residence of Reliance Industries Ltd Chairman Mukesh Ambani and murder of SUV owner Mansukh Hiren.

Singh moved the Supreme Court for a CBI probe against Deshmukh.

However, at the directions of the apex court, he moved the Bombay High Court, which asked for a Preliminary Enquiry (PE) to look into the allegations.

The Supreme Court had earlier turned down two pleas against the Bombay High Court order, which were filed by Deshmukh and Maharashtra government.

Singh is currently the Commandant General of Home Guards.

Deshmukh (70) is a loyalist of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar and close to party’s General Secretary Praful Patel.

It may be recalled that on April 14, Deshmukh was grilled by CBI for nine hours at the DRDO & Air Force guest house at Kalina.

Deshmukh’s two aides - personal assistant Kundan Shinde and personal secretary Sanjeev Palande too had been questioned by the apex agency.

It has also recorded statements of Deputy Commissioner of Police Raju Bhujbal and Assistant Commissioner of Police Sanjay Patil.

Vaze too has been grilled by the CBI.

“It is a move to defame the government and build pressure,” said state NCP President and Water Resource Minister Jayant Patil. “The country is faced by the Covid-19 crisis…it is just to divert attention from that,” said Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole.

Shiv Sena chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut, in a tweet written in Marathi, said that the Bombay High Court had directed the CBI to file a report, after ordering a PE. “Kuch toh gadbad hai,” he wrote.