ED Cracks Down on Mithi River Scam: Eight Mumbai Locations Raided

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) intensified its probe into the alleged Mithi River scam by launching raids at eight locations across Mumbai, ED officials reported on Thursday. This operation targets contractors under suspicion for submitting fraudulent Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) regarding silt disposal from the river.

The investigation is fueled by accusations that a number of contractors misrepresented themselves in official documents and allegedly forged MoUs. These actions were purportedly aimed at securing payments for silt removal work that either wasn't carried out or was significantly exaggerated, leading to a substantial financial drain on the BMC and undermining long-standing flood mitigation efforts.

In the wake of the devastating 2005 floods, the Mithi River has been at the center of extensive desilting operations funded by the BMC. Yet, persistent allegations of contractor corruption and fabricated records have marred the initiative meant to prevent future floods. Recent local authority findings revealed that some cited dumping sites did not exist or were not utilized, pushing central agencies to delve deeper.

These latest raids conducted by the ED are designed to collect financial documentation and follow the money trail tied to the purported scam. Officials confirmed that these efforts will inform subsequent actions contingent on the findings from this ongoing investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)