Maharashtra’s former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh has been sent to 14 day judicial custody by special PMLA court on Saturday in relation with a money laundering and corruption case.
Special judge PR Sitre refused to grant a nine-day extension sought by Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh appearing for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Mr Deshmukh was remanded to judicial custody.
He was arrested by the central agency on November 1 after being questioned for 12 hours. He was sent to ED custody till November 6.
Anil Deshmukh’s son, Hrishikesh Deshmukh, approached the court with an anticipatory bail plea, which has been posted for final hearing on November 12.
The case dates back to March 20, 2021 when former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh wrote a letter to the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray alleging Mr Deshmukh of abusing his position and powers to seek illegal monetary benefits.
Former police commissioner alleged instances of Mr Deshmukh directing suspended police officer Sachin Vaze and others to collect ₹100 crores from bars and restaurants over a month.
Soon thereafter the High Court directed a preliminary enquiry to be held against Mr Deshmukh by the Central Bureau of Investigation. The ED then stepped in and started conducting a probe into allegations of money laundering against Mr Deshmukh.
On April 21, a FIR was registered against Mr Deshmukh under section 120 B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code and section 7 (public servant taking gratification other than legal remuneration in respect of an official act) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Besides Deshmukh, the ED has arrested his two aides – Kundan Shinde and Sanjeev Palande – in connection with the case. The duo are currently in judicial custody.
