ED raids Mumbai locations in Rs 12,000 crore BMC Covid scam case; aides of Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut targeted
Mumbai, June 21: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched raids at over 15 locations in Mumbai on Wednesday as part of a Prevention of Money Laundering case linked to a massive Rs 12,000 crore scam involving the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and COVID-19 relief funds.
The raids primarily targeted BMC officers, suppliers, and individuals associated with the establishment of COVID-related infrastructure in the city. Earlier, Iqbal Chahal, one of the alleged accused, had been interrogated by the ED in connection with this case.
According to sources, the premises being raided include those belonging to an IAS official closely associated with Uddhav Thackeray, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Other individuals being targeted in the raids are Sujit Patkar, a friend of Sanjay Raut, and Suraj Chanav.
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Just two days ago, Chief Minister Eknath Sindhe announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the scam, which involves a staggering amount exceeding Rs 12,000 crore.
The irregularities came to light last year when the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) conducted a special probe, revealing alleged misappropriation of Rs 12,024 crore in BMC expenses.
In response to the CAG's findings, the Maharashtra government established an SIT headed by Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar. The SIT comprises officers from the Economic Offences Wing as well as senior police officials, tasked with further investigating the financial malpractices exposed by the CAG report.
As of now, the ED has not issued an official statement regarding the ongoing raids and investigation. The case has sent shockwaves through the state, highlighting the urgency to address corruption and ensure transparency in the allocation of COVID-19 relief funds.
- PTC NEWS
