As part of the investigation into the allegations leveled by former commissioner of police Param Bir Singh against former home minister Anil Deshmukh, the Mumbai Police recorded the statements of two cops — Deputy Commissioner of Police (Enforcement) Raju Bhujbal and Assistant Commissioner of Police Sanjay Patil. In his letter to the chief minister, Param Bir Singh had mentioned the names of these two officers and that they were called by Deshmukh, who allegedly asked them to collect funds from bars and restaurants in Mumbai. Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Milind Bharambe recorded both the statements and the same have been submitted to the state government. 

‘Had to brief seniors’

In his statement, DCP Raju Bhujbal said, “I was asked by Joint CP (crime) whether I met the home minister and his personal secretary Palande on March 4 at Dnyaneshwar, along with Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sanjay Patil. With regard to any discussion on collection of funds from restaurants and bars, I want to say that I am working as deputy commissioner of police (Enforcement), and was appointed as nodal officer of the Assembly session so that I could brief the superiors. From March 1 to 10, the Budget Session of the Maharashtra State Legislative Assembly was in progress and it was my responsibility to brief the home minister and other officers. On March 4, I was present in the meeting with the home minister and his personal secretary at Dnyaneshwar to discuss Legislative Assembly Questions. After the meeting was over, Patil informed Palande that there was no substance in the information related to establishments. Thereafter, we left the official residence.”