In a significant development today, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police filed a comprehensive 19,500-page chargesheet in the alleged ₹14.57 crore “khichdi scam” that surfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The chargesheet names eight individuals, including prominent political figures from both the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Shinde Sena factions.

Key Accused in the Khichdi Scam

1. Amol Gajanan Kirtikar – A Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Yuva Sena functionary, and son of Shiv Sena MP Gajanan Kirtikar.
2. Suraj Chavan – A close aide of Aaditya Thackeray, associated with Shiv Sena (UBT).
3. Sujit Patkar – A close associate of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut.
4. Sanjay Mashelkar – A leader from the Shinde Sena faction.
5. Pranjal Mashelkar – Sanjay Mashelkar’s son.
6. Pritam Mashelkar – Sanjay Mashelkar’s son.
7. Sunil alias Bala Kadam – An individual implicated in the scam.
8. Raju Salunkhe – An individual implicated in the scam.

The accused are charged with conspiring to supply substandard khichdi packets to migrant workers during the lockdown. Investigations revealed that contractors supplied khichdi packets weighing only 100–200 grams instead of the prescribed 300 grams, leading to significant financial irregularities. The EOW has attached statements from 38 witnesses, including one recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC, which can be treated as evidence during trial.

The chargesheet was filed before the Esplanade Court, marking a crucial step in the legal proceedings against the accused.

Sources