Param Bir Singh letter row: Uddhav govt exposed after former Mumbai top cop’s disclosure: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Patna: Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday said Uddhav Thackeray government stood exposed after allegation levelled by former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh against Home Minister Anil Deshmukh that he was exerting pressure on Mumbai police for extortion of huge sum.

Mr Prasad told media persons here that stunning disclosure made by former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh that home Minister of Maharashtra Mr Deshmukh had exerted pressure on Mumbai police for extortion of huge amount every month from restaurants, hotels and other business establishments of Mumbai every month. Former Mumbai Police Commissioner had written letters to both Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Governor, giving details of the extortion pressure exerted by Home Minister Mr Deshmukh, he added.

Union Minister said that people were now aware how the government was working in Maharashtra. Ministers of Uddhav cabinet were indulged in extorting money from business establishments and misusing the police machinery for the purpose, he added.

Mr Prasad said that a police officer Sachin Vaze who was under suspension for several years, was reinstated in service during Corona pandemic. This officer was given important responsibility in Mumbai police, he further said and questioned the circumstances under which his suspension was revoked.

Union Minister said that Mr Vaze, an officer of the rank of Assistant Sub Inspector was so influential that Chief Minister Uddhav Thakre was himself defending Mr Vaze for charges levelled against him. It was never seen anywhere that a police officer of Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) was being defended by CM, he pointed out. He also questioned the role of NCP chief Sharad Pawar in this case, saying he was being briefed by Mumbai police despite the fact that Mr Pawar was not part of the government.

Our party BJP demands immediate resignation of Home Minister Mr Deshmukh, Mr Prasad demanded.

If Mr Deshmukh did not resign, BJP would organise massive street protests in Maharashtra to force ouster of Mr Deshmukh from the government, he threatened. (UNI)