Former Maharashtra Minister Anil Deshmukh arrested by ED

Nagpur, 2 November (H.S): Former Home Minister of Maharashtra Anil Deshmukh has been arrested by Enforcement Directorate in the early hours of Tuesday. Deshmukh appeared before the ED on Monday, after eluding several summons for about four months.

Deshmukh is facing charges of money laundering and extortion. The charges were levelled by former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh, who is still absconding.

Deshmukh will be presented before the court on Tuesday, after conducting his medical test.

Deshmukh?s political career started from Nagpur Zilla Parishad, where he was elected chairman. He then got elected from Katol constituency in 1995. He was School Education Minister in Shiv-Sena Government.

Param Bir Singh had alleged that he had demanded collection of Rs 100 crore per month from restaurants and bars in Mumbai. The issue raised several eyebrows following arrest of PSI Waze in this connection.

Several raids were conducted on residential and business premises of Deshmukh by ED, CBI and Income Tax officials. Summons were also issued to his wife, son and son-in-law and his lawyer were detained for enquiry.