NEW DELHI: CBI alleges Deshmukh extorted Rs 100 crore, was arrested, and later released on bail. Deshmukh accuses Fadnavis of coercion, offering immunity for signing affidavits against Thackeray.
Dismissed Mumbai Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Waze has stirred the political cauldron by making explosive allegations against former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. Waze, embroiled in multiple high-profile cases, claimed on Friday that he had submitted substantial evidence to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, implicating Deshmukh in a massive corruption scandal.
“Whatever has happened, the proof is there,” Waze asserted, revealing that the bribe money was funnelled through Deshmukh’s assistant. The disgraced officer, who faces charges in the 2021 Antilia bomb scare and Mansukh Hiren murder case, maintained that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) possesses corroborative evidence. “I have submitted all the evidence. In the letter that I have written, I have also given the name of Jayant Patil,” Waze told ANI, indicating the involvement of another prominent political figure.
Waze, currently incarcerated, expressed his willingness to undergo a NARCO test to substantiate his claims. His accusations come amid intense political rivalry and forthcoming state elections, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.
The CBI had previously registered a corruption case against Deshmukh, alleging that he directed police officials to extort Rs 100 crore per month from bar owners. Deshmukh, who was arrested in 2021 on related charges, has since been released on bail. In a recent twist, Deshmukh accused Fadnavis of coercing him to sign affidavits against prominent leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray, promising immunity from legal scrutiny in return.
Fadnavis, staunchly denying the allegations, warned of severe repercussions for those who make personal attacks against him. “I wouldn’t spare anyone making personal allegations against me,” he declared.
Anil Deshmukh, during a press conference, dismissed Waze’s allegations as baseless and orchestrated by Fadnavis. “Such a man with a criminal background can’t be believed,” Deshmukh insisted, referencing Waze’s tarnished record and ongoing criminal cases. “Waze says what Devendra Fadnavis tells him,” he added, accusing the Deputy Chief Minister of manipulating Waze to serve political ends.
Deshmukh further asserted, “5-6 days back, I had levelled allegations against Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, that 3 years ago he attempted to send the then CM Uddhav Thackeray to jail, attempted to send Aaditya Thackeray to jail and came to me with an affidavit for me to level allegations against them so that they go to jail. I revealed this to the public. Now, this is a new tactic by Devendra Fadnavis. He has caught Sachin Waze and he is using him.”
The allegations and counter-allegations have drawn sharp reactions from other political figures. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut lambasted the BJP, suggesting that the party was resorting to desperate measures ahead of elections. “This clearly shows they are losing. Anil Deshmukh brought information ahead and to answer his allegations, they need a person from jail who is accused and facing charges of terrorism,” Raut commented, criticizing the BJP for stooping to new lows in Maharashtra politics.
Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole termed the unfolding events as a “drama” and vowed that the Maha Vikas Aghadi government would investigate the matter thoroughly once in power. “The people have the right to know the reality,” Patole asserted, challenging Fadnavis to disclose all evidence he claims to possess.
NCP (SCP) MP Supriya Sule questioned the timing of Waze’s allegations, suggesting a politically motivated smear campaign. “Why should we think that it is only about our Jayant Patil? Look at the timing. How come when there are elections around the corner, these kinds of allegations are coming up?” she queried, emphasizing the strategic nature of the accusations.