MVA, BJP spar over CBI action against Anil Deshmukh

Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena spokesperson

The registration of FIR and searches conducted at former home minister Anil Deshmukh's residence and other properties on Saturday sparked a heated debate between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). CM Uddhav Thackeray and Home Minister Dilip Walse-Patil met immediately after the action against Deshmukh was reported, and mulled over a counter offensive.

Keshav Upadhye, BJP spokesperson

While the MVA constituents accused the BJP of making political manoeuvres on the issue, the BJP said the FIR and the searches were lawful under the Bombay High Court's directive, which came in a case related to the former chief of Mumbai Police Param Bir Singh's allegation of corruption against Deshmukh.

NCP's chief spokesperson Nawab Malik said the FIR was politically motivated. "This is misuse of power to defame the state and Anil Deshmukh. The truth behind the political conspiracy will come out. Nobody is above the law, and we have full faith in the judiciary," he said, and questioned the role of Singh in the entire episode that led to accusations and later, resignation of the minister.

Sena chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut suspected foul play. "The high court asked for a preliminary probe. Searches at Deshmukh's properties and FIR are excesses [on part of the agency]. The action does not look logical and judicious. There is something doubtful," he tweeted.

In response to Raut, BJP's state chief spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said there certainly was scope for raising doubts when API Sachin Waze was reinstated after serving 16 years of suspension. "It is doubtful when it is said Waze isn't Laden. It is doubtful when only transfers are made and contractors are paid," he said.

Meanwhile, Thackeray and Walse-Patil spent hours together on Saturday discussing the matter, said MVA sources. Director General of Police Sanjay Pandey was also summoned to the CM's residence for a meeting.

Pandey is investigating the allegations of corruption levelled by inspector Anup Dange against Singh. He is also probing Singh for alleged dereliction of duty in connection with the investigations in the recovery of an explosives-laden vehicle near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's residence in Mumbai on February 25.