Breaking: Mumbai police files first FIR in Mithi River cleaning scam; EOW raids multiple locations

The EOW had been carrying out a preliminary inquiry into the matter, which has now been officially registered as a criminal case. (Representational Pic)

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police has registered the first First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the alleged corruption in the Mithi River cleaning project, with raids being carried out across the city since early morning.

Teams from the EOW launched coordinated searches at 8 to 9 locations on Tuesday, including the offices and residential premises of several contractors and officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The action comes on the heels of a criminal complaint lodged after a preliminary inquiry was elevated into a formal case.

The FIR, sources confirmed, is based on the findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that was formed following concerns raised during the Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Assembly in August last year. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) Pravin Darekar and Prasad Lad had questioned irregularities in the river rejuvenation project, prompting the government to initiate an in-depth investigation.

The scope of the alleged scam, as per the FIR, involves financial fraud amounting to approximately Rs 65,54,13,311 crore. Five contractors have been named for signing fake Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), along with three BMC officials who have also been named in the FIR.

The EOW had been carrying out a preliminary inquiry into the matter, which has now been officially registered as a criminal case.