ED Arrests Close Aide of Shiv Sena MLA Aaditya Thackeray Suraj Chavan in BMC Khichdi Scam

Chavan stands accused of exerting influence on BMC officials to favor specific contractors allegedly linked to Shiv Sena (UBT)

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X: @the_news_21

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) made headlines on Wednesday by arresting Suraj Chavan, a close associate of Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray, in connection with alleged irregularities related to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) khichdi distribution among migrant workers during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Chavan’s arrest followed ED officers conducting a raid at his residence in Mumbai.

Chavan stands accused of exerting influence on BMC officials to favor specific contractors allegedly linked to Shiv Sena (UBT). Last year, several individuals, including Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut’s close aide Sujit Patkar, Sunil alias Bala Kadam, and Rajiv Salunke of Sahyadri Refreshments, were implicated in connection with the alleged scam.

According to BJP leader Dr. Kirit Somaiya, who commented on the situation, “The money of the Khichdi scam has gone to the accounts of Sanjay Raut and his friends.”

Understanding the BMC Khichdi Scam

The BMC Khichdi Scam revolves around irregularities in the distribution of khichdi among migrant workers by the BMC during the COVID-19 lockdown from April to July 2020. A contract worth Rs 8.64 crore was awarded by the civic body for khichdi distribution, part of nearly Rs 4,000 crore spent on various COVID-19-related contracts.

Allegations suggest that specific contractors with ties to political parties secured the contracts. It is claimed that the chosen contractor lacked a food license, supplied khichdi at inflated rates, and failed to meet the required weight standards for food packets.

ED Investigation and Background

The ED initiated its investigation following the Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) registering a case in September last year, suspecting irregularities amounting to Rs 6.37 crore in the khichdi distribution case. The central agency is probing alleged middlemen with political influence who facilitated the contractors in securing contracts in exchange for payments.

Who is Suraj Chavan?

Suraj Chavan, recognized as a close aide of Aaditya Thackeray, serves as the secretary of Shiv Sena (UBT). He faces allegations of pressuring BMC officials to favor specific contractors with purported links to Shiv Sena (UBT) in the distribution of khichdi among migrant workers.

Also Read: Former Maharashtra CM Sushil Kumar Shinde’s Bold Claim: ‘BJP Offered Me and My Daughter a Ticket’

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