Deshmukh mastermind behind money laundering case; can tamper with evidence, ED tells HC

Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday opposed former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh's bail plea in the Bombay High Court stating that he was the main conspirator in a money laundering case and is unable to explain the source of huge wealth and proceeds of crime.

The probe agency also alleged that Mr Deshmukh can tamper with the evidence if he is granted bail.

The ED filed its affidavit in the Bombay High Court in response to the bail plea of Mr Deshmukh.

ED opposed Anil Deshmukh's bail and told the court, "Anil Deshmukh is the mastermind in the money laundering case and misused his position a lot. If granted bail, he can go out and tamper with the evidence."

The ED further said that Mr Deshmukh has not cooperated and is hiding many important things as he did not reveal many things during the interrogation.

"Anil Deshmukh has been engaged in money laundering and has put all the money in his trust," the agency added.

Anil Deshmukh, who was arrested by the ED on November 2 in the money laundering case is currently in judicial custody, moved to the Bombay High Court after the Special PMLA court denied him bail on March 14.

The probe agency said that the investigation of the case is still going on and some people are yet to be examined. There are many such questions that have not been answered by Anil Deshmukh.

The Former Maharashtra Home Minister was arrested by ED in November, last year in connection with the alleged ₹ 100-crore extortion and money laundering case.

Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh had accused Anil Deshmukh of asking dismissed assistant inspector Sachin Vaze to collect ₹ 100 crores from hotels and bars in Mumbai every month.

ED registered a case against Deshmukh and others based on a corruption case filed against him by the Central Bureau of Investigation.