In a letter to the Maharashtra Chief Minister, former Mumbai Commissioner of Police Param Bir Singh had accused state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh of impropriety. Singh said that Deshmukh directed suspended “encounter specialist” Sachin Vaze to collect Rs 100 crore each month from businesses in Mumbai. Param Bir Singh had also accused Deshmukh of trying to steer a few investigations into a certain direction.
On Tuesday, BJP MP Sushil Modi gave a Zero Hour notice in the Rajya Sabha over the allegations. He spoke exclusively to The Sunday Guardian after the session. Excerpts:
Q: The Anil Deshmukh corruption saga is a huge issue in India nowadays and you gave a Zero Hour notice in Parliament over it on Tuesday.
A: We’ve raised this topic strongly in Parliament and we are pointing out the new allegations coming up against Anil Deshmukh on a daily basis. The latest allegation seems to be over late MP Mohan Delkar’s suicide; pressure was created on Param Bir Singh that he put the blame on innocents. A female police officer has claimed that money was being sought for transfer positing and when she brought it up in front of the DGP, she was immediately transferred. All of this only adds to the Rs 100 crore extortion scam allegations that have been levelled against him. Why are Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray protecting such a corrupt politician? Are they worried that if these allegations are investigated, then they would get caught as well? The Congress has flip-flopped on its statements and is now supporting Deshmukh.
Q: Param Bir Singh has moved the Supreme Court and has asked for a CBI probe into the matter. Your comments.
A: This matter is not just about Param Bir Singh, another senior official Sanjay Pandey has gone to the High Court, alleging that the new Maharashtra Director-General of Police, Rajnish Sheth’s appointment was not done according to the law. A state where IPS officers are going to courts is certainly a grave situation. How long will the government protect individuals who are involved in such activities? Anil Deshmukh’s resignation has to happen, but it would be better if Uddhav Thackeray fires him before Deshmukh gets a clean exit.