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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Amol Kirtikar in connection with the infamous khichdi scam case, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding saga. Kirtikar, one of the 17 candidates announced by the party for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, finds himself embroiled in controversy as the ED delves deeper into the alleged fraudulent activities surrounding the khichdi contract.
Amidst the backdrop of political maneuvering and electoral preparations, the ED’s summons cast a shadow over Kirtikar’s political career and the Shiv Sena’s electoral aspirations. The party’s decision to field him from the Mumbai-North West Lok Sabha seat, as revealed in a list released on Wednesday morning, now faces scrutiny against the backdrop of these unfolding events.
But what exactly is the khichdi scam that has entangled Kirtikar and others in its web of deceit and allegations? At its core, the scam revolves around the fraudulent acquisition of a contract for supplying khichdi to migrant laborers. An FIR filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) sheds light on the intricacies of the scam, revealing a labyrinth of deceit and malpractice.
According to the FIR, a meeting held at BMC’s Byculla office on April 9, 2020, established criteria for awarding the contract, including mandatory certifications from the kitchen and health departments. However, despite these stipulations, Vaishnavi Kitchen/Sahyadri Refreshment and Sunil alias Bala Kadam were awarded the contract without meeting the necessary requirements. Subsequently, they subleased the work to other entities, failing to fulfill their contractual obligations by providing smaller food parcels than agreed upon.
The implications of the khichdi scam extend beyond mere contractual irregularities, encompassing allegations of cheating and criminal conspiracy against several individuals. Among those implicated are Sunil alias Bala Kadam, Raju Salunkhe, Sujit Patkar, associates of Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson and senior leader Sanjay Raut, and numerous BMC employees. The FIR alleges that Sahyadri Refreshments received a staggering sum of Rs 5.93 crore from the BMC, part of which was purportedly transferred to Sujit Patkar for consultancy services.
As investigations unfold, further irregularities in contracts awarded to other entities have come to light, painting a disturbing picture of financial mismanagement within the BMC and raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability in governance.
As Amol Kirtikar navigates the turbulent waters of legal scrutiny, his political future hangs in the balance, while the Shiv Sena grapples with the fallout of yet another scandal on the eve of crucial elections.
Also Read: Shiv Sena UBT Unveils Candidates for Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Check Full List Here
