Anil Deshmukh mastermind, brain behind money laundering conspiracy; misused official position: ED to HC

 ED said in High Court: Deshmukh is the mastermind of money laundering conspiracy, bail plea should be rejected

Summary

The affidavit filed by the ED in the Bombay High Court has sought dismissal of Deshmukh's plea. It has also been said that Deshmukh can influence the investigation.

Expansion

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday told the Bombay High Court that former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh was the mastermind behind the money laundering conspiracy and had misused his position to collect money. The agency also alleged that Deshmukh exerted undue influence on police officers for arbitrary transfers and postings. The ED said these things in an affidavit filed in the High Court in response to Deshmukh's bail plea.

Demand To Dismiss Deshmukh's Petition

The affidavit, filed by ED assistant director Taseen Sultan, sought dismissal of Deshmukh's plea. It has also been said that Deshmukh can influence the investigation as he is an influential person. The agency said that the applicant (Deshmukh) along with his son Hrishikesh Deshmukh, Sachin Waje (sacked police officer), Sanjeev Palande and Kundan Shinde (Deshmukh's former aide) is the mastermind of the entire conspiracy. The affidavit states that Deshmukh is the main conspirator and brain behind the entire conspiracy to collect money from bar and restaurant owners.

Deshmukh Did Not Reveal His Source of Income

The agency further claimed that Deshmukh amassed huge wealth during his public service and the source of this wealth is still unclear. Deshmukh has not cooperated with the investigation and is not disclosing the source of the funds, the statement said. And hiding the real facts. The central agency claimed that Deshmukh has admitted that an informal list was prepared containing the names of police officers and the respective places where they were to be transferred, without any record being maintained.

The agency said that the investigation of the case is still in the initial stage and hence grant of bail would hamper the investigation and the proceeds of the offense would not be known. Deshmukh was arrested by the ED in November 2021 and is currently in judicial custody. The NCP leader had moved the high court after his bail plea was rejected by a special court earlier this month. He had sought bail on the ground of his health and had called the ED case false. A single bench of Justice Anuja Prabhudesai will hear Deshmukh's plea on Friday.