CBI has launched an investigation into former Mumbai top officer Param Bir Singh in connection with corruption allegations

The Maharashtra Police have handed over the investigation into the alleged extortion charges against former Mumbai top policeman Param Bir Singh to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

On the directions of the Supreme Court, the central investigation agency re-registered five FIRs against Param Bir Singh and others.

Last month, the Supreme Court moved the case against Param Bir Singh to the federal agency, stating that they are not claiming that Param Bir Singh is a whistleblower or that anybody involved is innocent. This court should look into the unsettling circumstances brought before it. The court, however, declined to intervene in the state government’s suspension of the former Mumbai top cop.

This is not a reflection on Maharashtra’s recognised police, but rather a disturbing scenario among the top echelons. They refuse to accept the reasoning that when a person in authority loses power, those underneath him come out and file FIRs. They feel there is some coordinated effort going on that necessitates an inquiry by an agency other than the state police, the Supreme Court stated, turning over the matter to the CBI.

After an explosive-laden SUV was discovered outside Mukesh Ambani’s south Mumbai mansion, Mumbai Police Commissioner m Bir Singh was sacked in March 2021. Following his dismissal, Param Bir Singh accused then-state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh of extortion and corruption in a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Later, the Maharashtra Police filed five FIRs against Param Bir Singh based on various complaints.