Enforcement Directorate has issued a Look Out notice against former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. This is the first step towards declaring him ‘absconding’.
Deshmukh has not appeared before ED after five notices. Those connected with Deshmukh’s business have been arrested, which includes his lawyer Anand Daga. ED also carried out search operations at many places in connection with charges against Deshmukh levelled by former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh. The charges pertain to money laundering and extortion, to the tune of Rs 100 crore per month.
Deshmukh’s son-in-law Gaurav Chaturvedi, wife Arti, son Rishikesh and close associates are under scanner in this connection. Even Rishkesh and Arti did not appear before ED after being summoned.
ED has also issued second notice to Maharashtra Transport Minister Anil Parab. Meanwhile some documents were seized by ED from Deputy RTO Bajrang Kharmate, who is very close to Parab.
Former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that Deshmukh should complete the ongoing legal process and co-operate with the investigating agency.