First of four executors of Bal Thackeray will deposes

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena leader Anil Parab, one of the four executors of Bal Thackeray's will, deposed in the Bombay HC on Tuesday and said that he reported directly to the Sena supremo even after Thackeray's son Uddhav took over as the party's working president more than a decade ago.
Parab, now a member of legislative council, was the first of the executors to depose in court in the bitter dispute between Thackeray brothers, Uddhav and Jaidev, over their father's will.The estranged brothers are fighting over their father's December 13, 2011 will. Thackeray bequeathed almost all his assets, including a major portion of his landmark Matoshree bungalow, to Uddhav, also his political heir. He left nothing to estranged son Jaidev, but left a floor in Matoshree to Jaidev's son from his first wife. Thackeray's death on November 17, 2012, left his family fighting over the estate. TheHC had so far recorded evidence of the lawyer who prepared and was witness to the will and Dr Jaleel Parkar, who also attested the will.
Jaidev's counsel Seema Sarnaik began cross-examining Parab and most of her questions were targeted at knowing how well and how long Parab had known the late SS supremo. Deposing before Justice Gautam Patel, Parab said he knew Thackeray since 1980 but interacted with him only after 1990, and especially from 1998. Since 2001, he grew closer because of his (Parab's) increased involvement with the party.
"Bal Thackeray used to personally receive me at his residence. He would discuss all issues-both political and personal-with me. I used to only report to Bal Thackeray. I never discussed any issues with Uddhav even after he became the party's working president in 2003," Parab said.
The court has adjourned the hearing to August 19.