The Enforcement Directorate (ED) files chargesheet against Suraj Chavan, a Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary, in connection with the COVID-19 khichdi distribution scam, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation.
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MUMBAI: Today(on 15th March),The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken a decisive step against corruption associated with pandemic relief efforts by filing a chargesheet against Suraj Chavan, a notable functionary of the Shiv Sena (UBT). The charges are related to a money laundering case arising from alleged discrepancies in the distribution of ‘khichdi’ to migrants in Mumbai during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This were officially submitted before MG Deshpande, a special judge designated for cases under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
On January 17 this year, Suraj Chavan was arrested and has remained in custody. The money laundering case originates from a complaint filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai police, revealing ongoing investigations into financial misconduct.
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Central to the case is the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation‘s transaction, which saw a substantial sum of Rs 8.64 crore deposited into the account of Force One Multi Services. This fund was earmarked for the noble cause of distributing ‘khichdi’ packets—a nutritious blend of rice, lentils, and vegetables—among the migrant population devastated by the pandemic’s economic fallout.
However, this investigations revealed that Force One Multi Services allegedly siphoned off proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 3.64 crore. A significant portion of this, precisely Rs 1.25 crore, was diverted into Suraj Chavan’s personal bank account. Additionally, Rs 10 lakh found its way into the coffers of Fire Fighters Enterprises, a partnership firm associated with Chavan.
The Enforcement Directorate articulates that through these transactions, Chavan illegally amassed proceeds of crime totaling Rs. 1.35 crore. The funds were not left idle; instead, they were funneled into acquiring property and investing in a dairy business, marking a clear misuse of pandemic relief funds intended for the needy.
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