Retired Bombay HC judge to investigate corruption allegations against Anil Deshmukh:

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday appointed a one-member judicial commission to probe allegations of corruption against home minister Anil Deshmukh levelled by former Mumbai Police commissioner Param Bir Singh, who was removed between investigations into the explosives-laden car found near billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s house in February. The retired judge of Bombay High Court, Kailas Chandiwal, has been given six months to submit his report to the state government. Chandiwal has been directed to examine whether Singh’s letter to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on March 20, has any proof to establish whether Deshmukh or any official from his office committed any offence or misconduct. The panel will also investigate whether the allegations charged by the former city police chief, who was moved to a low-key post on March 17, have any truth and if there is a need for an investigation into it by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) or any other investigating agency. It has also been asked to give any other suggestions that it was supposed to do. The development comes a day before Singh’s entreaty, seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe against Deshmukh, as well as a stay on his transfer, will be taken up by Bombay High Court. Last week, the Supreme Court dismissed his petition seeking a CBI probe, asking him to first approach the high court.