Mumbai: Special court denies bail to Anil Deshmukh in money laundering case

Former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh will spend this year's Diwali in jail as a special CBI court on Friday rejected the bail application of the NCP leader in a corruption case, observing in its detailed order that approver Sachin Vaze’s statement recorded before a magistrate is important and cannot be overlooked at the stage of deciding the bail plea.

His personal secretary and co-accused Sanjeev Palande was also denied bail. The former state home minister had filed the plea close on the heels of the Bombay High Court granting him bail on October 4 in the money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The ED’s case was based on the CBI’s FIR and both had heavily relied on the statements of Vaze. Had he secured bail in the CBI’s case, he could have got release from prison, as this was the only case he now remained in custody in.

In his bail plea, Deshmukh had pointed to Vaze’s numerous criminal cases. He had also detailed the about-turns Vaze had made on the facts of the case before the justice (retired) KU Chandiwal Commission that was formed to probe the corruption allegations. Special CBI Judge SH Gwalani said in the order that the statement of Vaze plays a “very important” role at the stage of hearing bail applications.

The order further said that from the material collected, it is clear that it is a huge amount affecting the economy of the nation. “Cases of white-collared crimes affecting the economy of a nation have to be considered seriously,” it read.

Deshmukh had also sought bail on medical grounds. The court said regarding this, that bail on such grounds has to be considered if medical treatment is not available as required. It said Deshmukh is receiving appropriate and adequate medical treatment and facilities.

Concluding the order Judge Gwalani said considering the material on record, active involvement of applicant and attempt to obtain undue advantage for improper and dishonest performance of public duty and the seriousness of offence and manner in which crime was committed, it is not proper to release him on bail.