Corruption probe against Param Bir Singh: ACB issues lookout notice against bar owner

MUMBAI: The Anti-Corruption Bureau has issued a lookout notice against a bar owner in south Mumbai in connection with its probe into corruption allegations against former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh, an official said on Tuesday.

The ACB recently initiated an open inquiry into the allegations of corruption levelled against Singh by inspector Anup Dange, who was suspended last year and reinstated into the police force earlier this year.

On Tuesday, an ACB official refuted media reports about a lookout circular issued against Param Bir Singh, saying no such action has been taken by the anti-graft agency.

According to the ACB, Dange had alleged that he was approached by a man claiming to be Param Bir Singh's relative and demanded a bribe of Rs 2 crore to reinstate him into the force.

During the open inquiry against Singh, the name of Jitu Navlani, who owns a bar and restaurant in south Mumbai, cropped up, and the ACB has issued a lookout circular against him, the official said.

Notably, the Marine Drive police here recently registered an FIR on charges of extortion against Singh and seven others.

Besides, another FIR on charges of extortion and kidnapping was registered against Singh and others at Kopri police station in neighbouring Thane.

When contacted, the Mumbai and Thane police also said they have so far not issued any lookout notice against Singh.