As of May 7, 2025, there are no reports indicating that the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has conducted raids at seven locations or booked 13 individuals in connection with a ₹66 crore scam related to the Mithi River desilting project. However, the EOW has initiated a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged financial irregularities in the Mithi River desilting works, scrutinizing contracts worth approximately ₹1,100 crore awarded since 2005. The investigation focuses on potential misappropriation of funds and procedural anomalies in the awarding of contracts.

The SIT has summoned three contractors—Manish Kashiwal of Kailash Construction, Rishabh Jain of Acute Enterprises, and Sher Singh Rathod of Mandeep Enterprises—for questioning. This action follows allegations that certain tender conditions, such as the requirement for a 35-meter-long boom in desilting equipment, were tailored to favor specific companies, potentially leading to monopolistic practices and financial losses for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

In response to these allegations, the BMC has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the tender conditions were designed to ensure efficient silt removal, considering the river’s varying width. The civic body also noted that the tender process has not been finalized and is currently under judicial review, with the next hearing scheduled for March 4, 2025.

The investigation is ongoing, and further developments are awaited.

Sources