Mumbai's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has launched a preliminary inquiry into alleged irregularities and misappropriation of funds in the Mithi River desilting project. As part of the investigation, officials have questioned 10 contractors linked to the project. Additionally, the police have sought details from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) regarding the tendering process. Authorities have also requested video footage of the desilting work undertaken in the river.
The project, which has been ongoing for the past 20 years, involved contracts worth ₹1,100 crore. Preliminary findings reveal that a total of 18 contractors were engaged for the project over this period.
The special investigation team (SIT) handling the case had summoned several contractors for questioning, and 10 of them have been interrogated so far. Police have sought details about the contract execution process and have instructed contractors to submit any recorded footage of the work.
As part of the project, an application was developed for uploading video records of the desilting process. Contractors were required to film the work and upload the footage on this platform. Police officials are now examining this application and have sought cooperation from the BMC in their investigation.
A high-level probe team, led by a Joint Commissioner of Police, has been formed to investigate the matter. The team includes a Deputy Commissioner of Police, two Assistant Commissioners, and a Police Inspector. They are reviewing all contracts awarded between 2005 and 2021 to identify any financial discrepancies or procedural violations.
The investigation is expected to uncover whether there was any manipulation in contract execution and if funds were misused in the process. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the probe.