Sandeep Raut Summoned by ED in COVID-19 Khichdi Scam Case

Sandeep Raut, brother of Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut, has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate for questioning in a money laundering case linked to the alleged khichdi scam during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Sandeep Raut, the younger brother of Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut, for questioning in a money laundering case linked to the alleged khichdi scam during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sandeep Raut has been asked to appear before the ED's office in Mumbai next week, where his statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Allegations Against Sandeep Raut

Sandeep Raut is suspected to be a beneficiary of dubious funds generated in the khichdi scam. When summoned by the Mumbai Police's Economic Offence Wing (EOW) earlier, Sanjay Raut had denied any wrongdoing and praised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) services during the pandemic.

Arrest of Suraj Chavan

Suraj Chavan, a functionary of the Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, was arrested by the ED last week in connection with the khichdi scam. Chavan is a core committee member of the Yuva Sena, the youth wing of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena UBT. He is currently in ED custody and is expected to be produced before a court in Mumbai.

Details of the Khichdi Scam

The money laundering case stems from an FIR filed by the Mumbai Police's EOW. Alleged irregularities occurred while the BMC awarded contracts for providing khichdi to migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The BMC gave the work order to Sahyadri Refreshments, which sub-contracted it to Force One Multi Services for preparing, packaging, and distributing khichdi to designated sites.

ED's Investigation

The ED's investigation revealed that due to Suraj Chavan's proximity to senior political leaders and influential individuals, the BMC authorities awarded the work order for khichdi to Force One Multi Services. No guidelines or criteria were followed during the awarding process.

The ED found that an amount of Rs 8.64 crore was transferred by the BMC into the bank account of Force One Multi Services for supplying khichdi packets. However, Force One Multi Services generated proceeds of crime worth around Rs 3.64 crore, of which Rs 1.25 crore was diverted into Chavan's personal bank account, and Rs 10 lakh into the bank account of his partnership firm, Fire Fighters Enterprises.

Chavan's Role

The ED's investigation revealed that Chavan played no role in supplying khichdi. Instead, the illegal profit generated by Force One Multi Services was distributed to him by showing him as an employee of the firm from the financial year 2019-20. Funds were transferred to him as salary and some in the form of personal loans.

To portray Chavan as an employee of the firm, two forged and backdated appointment letters were issued in his name. When questioned about his involvement in influencing and contacting BMC officers regarding the allotment of work orders to Force One Multi Services, Chavan denied any wrongdoing and provided evasive responses.

Use of Illegal Funds

The illegal funds acquired by Chavan were used to purchase immovable residential and agricultural properties in his personal name. The ED is further examining these transactions under the PMLA.

The ED's investigation into the khichdi scam has revealed serious irregularities and misuse of public funds. The involvement of Sandeep Raut and Suraj Chavan in this case raises concerns about corruption and abuse of power. Further investigation is necessary to uncover the full extent of the scam and bring all those responsible to justice.