ED raids in Mumbai over Mithi River scam

New Delhi

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday raided eight places in Mumbai as part of its probe into the alleged Mithi River scam. These raids were carried out at locations connected to contractors accused of forging documents submitted to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Officials said these contractors allegedly faked Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to falsely claim payments for removing silt from the Mithi River. In many cases, the silt was never removed, or the amount was heavily exaggerated. This alleged scam has reportedly caused huge financial losses to the BMC.

The Mithi River flows through the middle of Mumbai and has long been at the center of efforts to prevent flooding. After the deadly 2005 floods, the BMC invested heavily in cleaning and desilting the river. However, complaints of corruption and false claims have surrounded the project for years.

Earlier investigations by local agencies found that some dumping sites mentioned by contractors didn’t exist or were never used. These findings led to a deeper probe by central authorities.

The ED’s raids aim to collect financial records and track where the money went. Officials said the operation is still ongoing, and further steps will depend on the evidence they find.

This crackdown is part of a larger effort to ensure accountability and transparency in public works and flood prevention efforts in Mumbai, which continues to face challenges during the monsoon due to poor drainage and river maintenance.