Cop: Witness in Param Bir’s case getting threats

MUMBAI: Police inspector Anup Dange, who has made corruption, extortion and harassment allegations against former Mumbai Police commissioner Param Bir Singh, has written to the Maharashtra anti-corruption bureau (ACB), stating that a prime witness in the case was being pressured and threatened by the accused persons.

On Friday, Dange wrote to ACB director general (HT has a copy of the letter), stating that he was also being followed by unidentified people, who are keeping a close eye on his movements. The inspector also held Singh and the other accused responsible if he goes missing or meets with an accident or if any untoward thing happens to him.

“Apprehending threat to my life, I would soon be writing to Mumbai Police commissioner, requesting him to grant me an arms licence for privately carrying a firearm for my personal safety,” Dange said.

ACB is conducting an open inquiry on Dange’s complaint against Singh – who is currently the director general of home guards.

Dange – presently posted with the south region control room in Mumbai – had disclosed the name of an eyewitness in the case to ACB. Later, he alleged that the name of the witness got leaked, and in June, the witness received threats from the two accused in the case. The accused purportedly told the witness: “Don’t get into this matter. The Centre has extended its full support to Param Bir. You will die unnecessarily.”

A few days later, Dange said the witness secretly met him at Matunga, and narrated the entire episode to him. The witness also purportedly said that those who threatened him are mighty politicians from the state.

Singh is currently on leave and his phone is switched off.

Builder’s bail rejected

The Thane sessions court rejected the anticipatory bail of builder Sanjay Punamia, who was earlier in the custody of Kopri police in the extortion case registered against Singh. Thane Nagar police will take Punamia’s custody.