Bombay HC grants bail to Sachin Waze in Deshmukh corruption case

In Mumbai, on October 22, 2024, the Bombay High Court granted bail to former Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Waze, who had been incarcerated since March 2021 for a corruption case involving former state home minister Anil Deshmukh. The Union government expressed no objection to Waze's bail, prompting the court to direct the special CBI court to determine his bail conditions. Despite this decision, Waze remains in custody due to ongoing judicial proceedings linked to the Antilia bomb scare case, which is under the National Investigation Agency's jurisdiction. Waze's plea for bail mentioned that he had turned approver in the case and was the only defendant still jailed, whereas others had been released on bail. Initially, the CBI opposed Waze's bail, arguing that he had yet to depose and that releasing him would not serve the interests of justice. However, the CBI later declared Waze an approver in June 2022, signaling a shift in the case dynamics. The corruption allegations surfaced following complaints by former police commissioner Param Bir Singh, who accused Deshmukh of orchestrating an extortion scheme demanding Rs 100 crore monthly from local bars and restaurants. Singh's claims led to inquiries into the official misuse of power by Deshmukh and his associates, including Waze, who was reportedly collecting these funds on behalf of Deshmukh. The ongoing judicial process surrounding these high-profile cases reflects broader issues of corruption and accountability within police and political structures in India, demonstrating the challenges faced in ensuring justice and transparency in such matters.