Anil Deshmukh was my ‘No. 1’: Dismissed API Sachin Waze

Dismissed cop tells in latest statement that it was code for ex-home minister Anil Deshmukh, and not city police commissioner, widely considered in police circles to be known by the moniker

Dismissed API Sachin Waze referred to former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh as “No. 1” during his alleged dealings with bar and orchestra owners, mid-day has learnt. Sources said ED, which is probing money laundering in connection with former police chief Param Bir Singh’s Rs 100 crore corruption allegation against Deshmukh, took a fresh statement from Waze on July 11 to get more clarity on the “No. 1” since cops often use such a code to address their commissioner.

The Enforcement Directorate arrested Deshmukh’s personal secretary Sanjeev Palande and personal assistant Kundan Shinde last month. Sources said ED sought to dig deep after speaking to several bar and orchestra owners. The businessmen said Waze would claim that the protection money taken from them would go to “No.1”. 

Anil Deshmukh, former home minister (right) Param Bir Singh, ex-chief of Mumbai police

Throwing more light on the alleged money collection, the agency’s remand application of June 26 after Palande and Shinde’s arrest said Waze, who headed the crime intelligence unit, had agreed to ensure smooth functioning of bars and orchestra bars after restricted hours. Subsequently, on behalf of 60 bar owners, Jaya Poojari and Mahesh Shetty had paid Rs 40 lakh to Waze in December 2020 as “good luck money”. 

Also read: Param Bir Singh seeks more time to appear before ED citing health issues

“Further, on behalf of orchestra bars falling under jurisdiction of Zone I to Zone VIl of Mumbai Police Commissionerate, money amounting to Rs 1.64 crore was paid to Sachin Waze during the months of January and February 2021. Further on behalf of orchestra bars falling under jurisdiction of Zone-VII to Zone XII of Mumbai Police Commissionerate, money amounting to Rs 2.66 crore was paid to Sachin Waze in the months of January and February 2021. Sachin Waze informed the bar owners/ managers that the money collected will go to “No.1” and Crime Branch & Social Service branch of Mumbai Police,” reads ED’s remand application.

A source said, “Waze in his initial statement recorded between May 19 and May 21 had told ED that he would get direct instructions from Deshmukh. To join the dots and for better clarity, the agency again recorded his statement at Taloja prison on July 11 in which he said that Deshmukh was “No. 1” for him.” 

Sachin Waze is now lodged in Taloja prison

Summons to Singh

ED has also summoned Param Bir Singh as he was the one who had written to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray levelling the sensational Rs 100 crore allegations against Deshmukh. ED sources have told mid-day that ED has so far not found any monetary transactions of Singh tied to the case. Singh, who currently holds the post of DG-Home Guard of Maharashtra police, has been on medical leave for the last two months. He has sought more time from ED citing health reasons.

Based on Singh’s allegations, three PILs were filed before the Bombay HC which later asked the CBI to launch a probe. The ED took cognisance of a preliminary FIR filed by the CBI to start probing money laundering angle in the case.

Sources said the ED has so far found transactions worth Rs 50-60 crore of which about Rs 5 crore was collected from bar and orchestra owners. The agency believes money was collected from other sources as well including the cases that were being investigated by Waze and the central intelligence unit. Waze directly reported to Singh when headed the city’s police force. Waze faces charges in the Ambani bomb scare and Mansukh Hiran murder cases.

Deshmukh’s PS Sanjeev Palande (pink shirt) and his PA Kundan Shinde (white shirt) were arrested last month. Pics/Bipin Kokate

So far, ED has issued three summons to Deshmukh and his son Hrishikesh. While both have sought more time, Deshmukh has moved the Supreme Court, which is yet to hear his plea.

July 11
When Waze’s fresh statement was taken

Rs 50-60cr
Value of the transactions tied to Waze so far

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