CBI Gets Sanction From Maharashtra Govt To Prosecute Former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh In Corruption Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has received a sanction to prosecute former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh from the new state government in Maharashtra, in a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The agency submitted the sanction order during proceedings before the special CBI court on Wednesday. The court has now sought response from Deshmukh's lawyer.

CBI had registered the FIR against Deshmukh and unknown others on April 21, 2021 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and section 120B of the IPC for an attempt to obtain undue advantage, and for the improper and dishonest performance of public duty.

The FIR was backed by the Bombay HC order, directing the agency to conduct a Preliminary Enquiry into the Rs. 100 crore corruption allegations against Deshmukh that were levelled by former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh in his letter to the Chief Minister on March 20, 2021.

However, Deshmukh's 'knowledge' of now dismissed Assistant Police Inspector, Sachin Waze's reinstatement in June 2020, is also part of CBI's FIR. Waze is in prison in the Ambani Terror Scare – Mansukh Hiran Murder Case.

Apart from Deshmukh, his personal secretary Sanjeev Palande and personal assistant Kundan Shinde are also accused in the case.

Sachin Waze was declared an approver in the same case.

The NCP leader was first arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in November 2021 in connection with the same case, but for money laundering offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Only yesterday, the Bombay High Court reserved orders on Deshmukh's bail application after marathon arguments for two days.