Khichdi scam: ED conducts raids at seven locations

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Intensifying its investigation into the Rs 6.37 crore khichdi scam, which was allegedly perpetrated during the pandemic, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at seven locations on Wednesday. Various documents were seized, and both the contractor and BMC officials associated with the case were questioned and summoned for further inquiries by the ED.

Sources reveal that the raids were carried out at seven locations, including the residence of a deputy municipal commissioner in Chembur, who is a suspect in the case. Raids were also conducted at Vaishnavi Kitchen/Sahyadri Refreshment in Parel, FNJ Enterprises linked to the Persian Darbar Hotel in Goregaon, Sneha Caterers and Decorators in Mulund, Golden Star Hall and Banquet in Mulund, Fire Fighter Enterprises in Govandi and Western India Logistics in the eastern suburbs.

The ED carried out the raids after taking up the money-laundering case under PMLA following the FIR registered by the EOW of Mumbai police at Agripada police station against Sujit Patkar, a close associate of Sanjay Raut; Sunil alias Bala Kadam; Rajeev Salunkhe of Sahyadri Refreshments; employees of Force One Multi Service; Sneha Caterer's partners; and an assistant municipal commissioner (planning), along with other unidentified BMC officials.

According to the FIR, the contract was intended for a company equipped with the necessary kitchens and certifications from health and related departments to prepare khichdi for 5,000 migrant workers daily during the pandemic. However, the contracts were awarded to Sahyadri Refreshments and Vaishnavi Kitchen, neither of which possessed these requirements, and they subsequently subcontracted the work.
Similarly, Force One lacked the necessary kitchen facilities and subcontracted the khichdi production. The FIR also suggests that, as per the contract, each packet of khichdi was supposed to weigh 300 grams, but the accused parties provided packets weighing only 100-200 grams.