The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has initiated a preliminary inquiry into alleged irregularities and misuse of funds in the Mithi River desilting project. As part of the investigation, three contractors have been questioned. The project, which has been ongoing for the past 20 years, involved contracts worth ₹1,100 crore. According to the initial inquiry, a total of 18 contractors were awarded projects during this period.
The special investigation team (SIT) issued summons to Manish Kashiwal of Kailash Constructions, Rishabh Jain of Acute Enterprises, and Sher Singh Rathod of Mandeep Enterprises. The interrogation has been underway for the past week. The SIT, led by the Additional Commissioner of Police, includes a Deputy Commissioner, two Assistant Commissioners, and a Police Inspector. The investigation covers all contracts awarded between 2005 and 2021.
The probe was announced in the Legislative Council last August following demands from BJP MLAs Prasad Lad and Pravin Darekar. Meanwhile, political circles are abuzz with speculations that the inquiry aims to target the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.
The EOW has sought records from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) regarding the awarded contracts. The investigation focuses on desilting and river beautification contracts, contract terms and conditions, and verification of actual desilting work. Evidence has been requested from the contractors.
So far, the EOW has formed six special investigation teams to probe various alleged irregularities within BMC contracts. These include cases related to the Khichdi distribution scam, body bag purchases, and oxygen plant procurements, with FIRs already filed in those matters.
The desilting responsibility is shared between BMC and MMRDA. BMC oversees the cleaning from the river’s origin at Powai to Kurla (11.84 kilometers), while MMRDA handles the remaining 6.8 kilometers. The SIT has sought relevant documentation from both agencies to further the investigation.