CBI begins probe against former Mumbai top cop Param Bir Singh in corruption cases
India Today
The central investigation agency has re-registered five FIRs against Param Bir Singh and others on the orders of the Supreme Court, which last month transferred the case to the federal agency.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has taken over the probe into the alleged extortion cases against former Mumbai top cop Param Bir Singh from the Maharashtra Police.
The central investigation agency has re-registered five FIRs against Param Bir Singh and others on the orders of the Supreme Court.
The top court last month transferred the case against Param Bir Singh to the federal agency, saying: “We are not saying Param Bir Singh is a whistle blower or that anyone involved is innocent. The disturbing scenario presented before this court deserves inquiry.” The court had, however, declined to interfere with the former Mumbai top cop's suspension by the state government.
“This is not a reflection on the police of Maharashtra, which is respected, but a troubling scenario among the higher echelons. We cannot accept the argument that when a person in power loses power, then persons below him come out and file FIRs. We do believe there is some inter-concerted effort being made which requires investigation by an agency outside the state police,” the top court said, handing over the reins of the probe to the CBI.
Param Bir Singh was shunted out as the Mumbai Police Commissioner in March 2021 after an explosive-laden SUV was found outside the south Mumbai residence of Mukesh Ambani. Following his ouster, Param Bir Singh, in a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, accused then state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh of extortion and corruption.
Later, the Maharashtra Police registered five FIRs against Param Bir Singh on different complaints.
