Mumbai Police Launches Probe into Alleged Rs 1,100 Crore Mithi River Desilting Scam
Mumbai, 3rd April 2025: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police has initiated a detailed investigation into alleged irregularities and misappropriation of funds in the Rs 1,100 crore Mithi River desilting project, which has been ongoing for two decades. The probe follows concerns raised about the transparency of contracts and the actual execution of the desilting work.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Joint Commissioner of Police V.D. Mishra, along with Deputy Commissioner of Police (EOW 1) Sangramsinh Nishandar and other senior officers, is scrutinizing contracts awarded between 2005 and 2021. The desilting work covered an 11.84-kilometer stretch managed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and a remaining 6.8-kilometer stretch overseen by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA).
The SIT has already summoned and questioned ten contractors involved in the project to verify whether proper norms were followed during contract allocation and execution. Investigators have requested footage, photographs, and access to an official app used to upload videos documenting the desilting process. This app was designed to ensure accountability by geo-tagging locations and recording silt removal activities.
Preliminary findings indicate that 18 contractors were awarded tenders over the years, with Rs 1,100 crore spent on desilting works. The inquiry aims to determine whether silt removal was conducted as claimed or merely documented on paper. Investigators are also examining details such as debris transportation methods, disposal sites, and compliance with tender conditions.
The probe gained momentum after BJP MLCs Prasad Lad and Pravin Darekar raised concerns in August 2024 during a Legislative Council session. They questioned why continuous spending over 18 years had failed to resolve flooding issues linked to the river’s condition. Allegations from Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leaders further intensified scrutiny, with claims of favoritism in tender conditions benefiting specific companies.
The investigation comes amidst political speculation that it may be an attempt to target Shiv Sena’s Thackeray faction ahead of upcoming municipal elections. However, officials maintain that the inquiry is focused solely on uncovering financial irregularities and ensuring accountability.
