Suraj Chavan, a prominent figure in the Shiv Sena (UBT) and a trusted associate of Aaditya Thackeray, has been apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) about the 'Khichdi' scam case. The ED-led investigation led to raids at eight locations in Mumbai, including the residence of a senior BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) official and Chavan's dwelling on Wednesday, culminating in his arrest.
Chavan's apprehension is part of the ED's ongoing inquiry into financial irregularities within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation concerning the distribution of khichdi to migrant laborers during the Covid lockdown.
According to sources, the allegations suggest that Suraj Chavan exerted influence over BMC officials to favor specific contractors, purportedly with direct connections to party leaders.
In September 2023, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police initiated a case related to the 'khichdi' scam, implicating key figures such as Sujit Patkar, a close aide to Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, Sunil alias Bala Kadam, and Rajiv Salunke of Sahyadri Refreshments, among others.
The Mumbai Police contends that discrepancies in the contract award for 'khichdi' distribution amount to approximately Rs 6.37 crore. The accused allegedly failed to deliver the specified quantities as per the submitted invoices. Moreover, the food packets, supposed to contain 250 grams of 'khichdi,' were reportedly distributed with only 125 grams of food.
In the ED's money laundering probe into the 'Khichdi' scam case, Deputy Municipal Commissioner of BMC, Sangeeta Hasnale, was previously interrogated. At the time, Hasnale served as Assistant Municipal Commissioner of Planning, overseeing the food distribution initiative for impoverished, stranded workers, daily wage laborers, and migrant workers in Mumbai.
