Did the ED Freeze Rs 47 Crore in the Mithi River Desilting Scam?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Enforcement Directorate has frozen assets worth over Rs 47 crore linked to the Mithi River Desilting Scam. The operation involved multiple raids across Mumbai, targeting contractors and a BMC engineer, as part of a larger investigation into alleged money laundering activities. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this unfolding story.
Key Takeaways
- ED freezes Rs 47 crore linked to the Mithi River Scam.
- Raids conducted at multiple locations in Mumbai.
- Investigators uncovered widespread irregularities.
- Contractors allegedly submitted forged documents.
- Further investigations are ongoing.
New Delhi, Aug 2 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has placed a freeze on assets exceeding Rs 47 crore during subsequent raids conducted in Mumbai linked to the Mithi River Desilting Scam, as announced by the agency on Saturday.
The search operations, executed on July 31 by the ED’s Mumbai Zonal Office, spanned eight locations associated with BMC contractors and a civic engineer.
This operation is part of a broader investigation into money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The agency reported that searches were carried out at the residences of contractors including M/s Acute Designs, M/s Kailash Construction Company, M/s Nikhil Construction Co, M/s N A Construction Pvt Ltd, and M/s J.R.S Infrastructure, along with BMC engineer Prashant Krishna Tayshete.
This operation resulted in the freezing of assets exceeding Rs 47 crore from various bank accounts, fixed deposits, and demat accounts.
During the raids, officials also confiscated digital devices, documents related to properties, and other evidence considered essential for ongoing investigations.
The case originates from FIR No. 0075/2025 filed at Azad Maidan Police Station, which claims that 13 individuals and entities—including the contractors and BMC officials—inflicted a loss of Rs 65 crore on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The ED has indicated that initial evidence points to extensive irregularities in the desilting operations of the Mithi River.
Contractors are accused of submitting forged documents, such as counterfeit MoUs with landowners and No-Objection Certificates from Gram Panchayats for silt disposal sites.
Investigation revealed that civic officials exploited their positions for personal profit, particularly regarding the acquisition and use of silt pushers and multipurpose amphibious pontoon machines introduced in BMC tenders during 2021-22.
Previously, on June 6, the agency conducted raids at 18 locations related to this case. Following this latest action, the total value of frozen or seized proceeds of crime has reached Rs 49.8 crore.
Further investigations are ongoing.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in public projects. The actions taken by the Enforcement Directorate reflect a commitment to uncovering corruption and safeguarding public funds. This ongoing investigation serves as a reminder that integrity in governance is crucial for the trust of the citizens.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ED's latest raids?
The ED's raids were prompted by ongoing investigations into the Mithi River Desilting Scam, which involves allegations of financial misconduct and corruption linked to several contractors and BMC officials.
How much money has been frozen by the ED?
The Enforcement Directorate has frozen assets worth over Rs 47 crore in connection with the Mithi River Desilting Scam.
What are the allegations against the contractors?
Contractors are accused of submitting forged documents and misusing their positions, which resulted in significant financial losses to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
What is the significance of the FIR filed?
The FIR filed at Azad Maidan Police Station establishes the basis for the investigation, alleging that 13 individuals and entities caused a loss of Rs 65 crore to the BMC.
What measures will the ED take next?
The ED will continue its investigation, analyzing the seized evidence to further understand the extent of the financial irregularities and pursue legal actions against those involved.
