SIT files FIR against 13, begins searches

Mumbai

The Mumbai Police's Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), has registered a case involving 13 individuals, including contractors and municipal officials, in relation to the Mithi River desilting scam. This investigation focuses on a financial loss of over Rs 50 crore incurred by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), an official confirmed.

On Tuesday, the SIT filed a First Information Report (FIR) against five contractors, three middlemen, and two company officials involved in the alleged scam. Following this, the SIT conducted searches at multiple locations, including the homes and offices of the accused.

The SIT was established in February to investigate potential irregularities and the mismanagement of funds in the Mithi River desilting project. According to the initial complaint, the total amount of misappropriated funds in the contracts could reach Rs 1,100 crore. The probe is focused on contracts awarded between 2005 and 2023, which include tasks such as river sludge removal and beautification projects.

Preliminary inquiries have revealed that 18 contractors were involved in these operations since 2005, indicating widespread involvement in the scam. The SIT is now examining all contracts from this period to identify any further misappropriations or irregularities. The investigation continues, with the SIT working to uncover the full scope of the scam and hold those responsible accountable.