By | Arvind Jadhav
Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has frozen assets worth over Rs 47 crore in connection with the Rs 65 crore Mithi River desilting scam. With this latest action, the total value of proceeds of crime seized and frozen in the case now stands at approximately Rs 49.8 crore. Search operations were conducted at eight locations across Mumbai, including premises linked to BMC contractors and Deputy Chief Engineer Prashant Krishna Tayshete.
The ED’s probe revealed irregularities in contracts, including forged Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and fake No Objection Certificates (NOCs). The agency also found evidence of manipulation in machinery procurement for kickbacks, with expensive machinery included in tenders to benefit select contractors. The ED seized incriminating documents, digital devices, and records of suspicious transactions during the search operations.
The investigation was initiated following a case registered at Azad Maidan Police Station, Mumbai, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against 13 individuals and entities. The ED’s action is part of its ongoing efforts to crack down on corruption and financial irregularities in the Mithi River desilting project. The agency is expected to further investigate the matter and take action against those found guilty.
