Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Anil Deshmukh walks out of jail

MUMBAI: Former minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Anil Deshmukh on Wednesday hit out at the former Mumbai Police chief Param Bir Singh and sacked cop Sachin Vaze for making false allegations against him that led to his incarceration for nearly 14 months.

"I was jailed on the false allegations levelled by Param Bir Singh and Sachin Vaze. That same Singh later told the probe panel that his statements were based on rumours or hearsay and he had no evidence against me," said Deshhmukh, 73, who walked out of the Arthur Road Central Jail here on bail.

He pointed out how the Bombay High Court judges had also taken note of this and observed that Singh's statements could not be relied upon.

"Similarly, Vaze had a criminal bent of mind, he was suspended thrice from the Police Department by the Maharashtra government. He was involved in the planting of the explosive-laden vehicle outside the Antilia Building (the residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani)," said Deshmukh.

Even on Vaze's role, the high court had made observations that his statements were unreliable, and there was no basis to the allegations hurled against Deshmukh.

"On the basis of these baseless accusations, I had to undergo nearly 14 months in jail. However, I have full faith in the judiciary and I thank them. I also thank (NCP supremo Sharad) Pawar Saheb and his family, all other leaders and the entire party for having faith in me and standing behind me solidly throughout this ordeal," said Deshmukh with folded hands.

Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar - who flew down in a special government flight from Nagpur, leaving the Legislature Session, flanked by his cousin and MP Priyaya Sule, NCP President Jayant Patil, senior leader Praful Patel, ex-ministers Dilip Walse-Patil, Chhagan Bhujbal, MPs and MLAs, accorded a rousing welcome to Deshmukh. (IANS)

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