Anil Deshmukh case: ED summons Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte. Mumbai News – Times of India

Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra. Sitaram Kunte They are investigating against the former home minister of the state in a money laundering case on Thursday. Anil Deshmukh, The ED is likely to question Deshmukh about the transfers and postings of police officers during his tenure and allegations of corruption related to it. Kunte was the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Home when Deshmukh was the Home Minister.
TOI tried to reach out to Kunte for his response on the development, but he did not respond to phone calls and messages. It is learned that Kunte cannot appear before the ED on Thursday due to his busy schedule. Earlier, the ED had recorded the statement of Deputy Secretary Home (Maharashtra). Kailash Gaikwad, If. Recently ED had arrested Deshmukh in this case and he is in jail custody.
The ED is probing a money laundering case based on the CBI case, where it is alleged that the then Home Minister Deshmukh had allegedly duped police officer (now sacked) Sachin Vaze, illegally collecting $100 from bar owners every month for them. Was asked to collect Rs. Deshmukh also received bribes for allegedly using his power as home minister to favor police officers in their transfers and postings.
The ED officials are mainly trying to understand the involvement of Home Department officials related to the transfers and whether they helped Deshmukh to include the police officer’s name for the crucial posting.
Last year, state intelligence department (SID) then Commissioner Rashmi Shukla Telephone conversations of some influential people were recorded, who were heard promising desired postings for money to police officers including IPS. Shukla had submitted the related report to the then DGP. Maharashtra Subodh Jaiswal, who forwarded it to the then ACS Home Kunte to discuss with the Chief Minister for necessary action. But the government did not act on the report and later Shukla and Jaiswal opted for central government deputation.
As per the Maharashtra Police Act, the transfer and posting of a senior police officer of the rank of DYSP and above is recommended by the Police Establishment Board (PEB) headed by the ACS Home. The PEB recommends the transfers which then goes to the Home Minister and then to the Chief Minister’s Office for final approval. After the CM’s approval the file is returned to the ACS house to issue orders. As per the Act, the PEB has a recommendatory role and is generally agreed to by the ministers but not mandated. They can also make changes after the approval of the PEB and give reasons for the same.

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