No question of Anil Deshmukh's resignation as Maharashtra Home Minister: Sharad Pawar

Addressing the media over former Mumbai police chief Param Bir Singh's corruption allegations against the home minister, Pawar said, "Anil Deshmukh was in hospital during that period. So in such a situation question does not arise about the resignation."

Earlier in the day, the Shiv Sena, which heads the alliance, also hinted that Deshmukh's position may be safe for now amid pressure by the opposition for his removal following the ex-Mumbai top cop's explosive letter to CM Uddhav Thackeray.

Deshmukh was in hospital from Feb 5 to 15 and from Feb 15 to 27, he was in home isolation in Nagpur, Pawar said, calling for a probe into Param Bir Singh's allegations.

"This has been brought to my notice that Maharashtra HM Shri @AnilDeshmukhNCP  who was detected #covid positive in February got discharged from hospital on 15th February and advised to be home quarantine between 15th to 27th February. During this period, he was house quarantined," he said.

"This investigation process will continue and truth will come out. It is a possibility that the allegations were made to divert this entire investigation," Pawar added.

Meanwhile, Singh who was transferred in the aftermath of the investigation in connection with Mukesh Ambani security scare case, moved the Supreme Court on Monday demanding a CBI probe against  Deshmukh.

Singh filed a writ petition through advocate Abhinay in the top court, accusing Deshmukh of interference in police investigations, and asking police officers conducting probes in manner desired by him, said a Hindustan Times report.

It added: “The petitioner submits that said Shri Anil Deshmukh had been holding meetings in February, 2021, at his residence with police officers, including Shri Sachin Vaze of Crime Intelligence Unit, Mumbai, and Shri Sanjay Patil, ACP Social Service Branch, Mumbai, bypassing their seniors and had instructed them that he had a target to accumulate ₹100 crore every month and had directed to collect money from various establishments and other sources.”

Singh was replaced at the insistence of NCP, one of the constituents of the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition.

Deshmukh, who is a senior NCP leader had justified Singh's removal citing 'unforgiveable' lapses revealed in the investigation of the Ambani security scare cases.

In his petition, Singh has said his transfer is a malicious move to suppress him as he was transferred immediately after he brought Deshmukh's corrupt practices to the notice of Uddhav Thackeray and other senior leaders.