Jayant Patil Denies Meeting Sachin Waze Amid Bribery Allegations

NCP leader Jayant Patil refuted claims by Sachin Waze alleging bribes involving ex-Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. Patil suspected a conspiracy, while Maharashtra's political landscape reactions varied. NIA had arrested Waze in 2021 for his connection in the Antilia bomb scare case.

NCP leader Jayant Patil has strongly denied allegations made by former Mumbai Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Waze, stating he never met Waze. Patil suspects a conspiracy behind these accusations. Previously, Waze alleged in a letter to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that ex-Home Minister Anil Deshmukh took bribes, submitting evidence thereof.

Patil addressed these claims at a press conference, questioning Waze's credibility due to his prolonged incarceration. He stated, 'The person who made the first allegation has been in jail for 1.5 years, there are serious allegations against him. I don't think the court and the justice system will trust him.' Patil further repudiated any acquaintance with Waze and implied that the allegations aimed to disparage opposition figures.

Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole termed the situation 'a drama,' suggesting that a full investigation would follow if the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition comes to power. Notably, Waze is also implicated in the 2021 Antilia bomb scare and Mansukh Hiren murder cases, with the NIA's investigation in full swing. The ongoing political fracas continues to stoke tensions within Maharashtra's administration.

(With inputs from agencies.)