CBI lodges FRI against former Maharashtra Home minister, Anil Deshmukh over corruption allegations

On Saturday morning, the CBI raided the home of former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh after the central probe agency lodged a corruption complaint against him. The CBI conducted searches in Mumbai at different locations.

The preliminary investigation into the charges of corruption against Mr Deshmukh by the CBI was concluded last Friday. The probe agency has lodged a case in connection with the accusations of corruption levelled by former Mumbai Police Commissioner, Parambir Singh.

Officials said the CBI gathered enough prima facie evidence during the investigation to launch a formal investigation. An FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been lodged against Deshmukh, after which the CBI initiated a search investigation operation.

According to Param Bir Singh he was replaced by the NCP leader over suspected "lapses" in the investigation regarding the Mukesh Ambani's security scare, after he had complained to Uddhav Thackeray over multiple charges against the minister, including bribery and unlawful transfers.

Deshmukh, Singh claims had directed police officers, including suspended cop Sachin Waze, to coerce Rs 100 crore from bars and restaurants. Singh filed a criminal public interest litigation on March 25th demanding a CBI investigation against the NCP leader.

Earlier this month, the Bombay High Court transferred the investigation in the case to the CBI, giving the probe agency 15 days to determine whether or not to file a corruption case. On April 6, the CBI lodged a preliminary enquiry against Anil Deshmukh and several others in response to the court orders.

Previously this month Deshmukh had stepped down from the Maharashtra cabinet, his resignation letter said, "I don't have the moral right to continue in office after the court order. I have decided to quit. Kindly relieve me from my post."