MP Gets Clean Chit In ₹6.37 Crore COVID Khichdi Scam; Lokpal Drops Corruption Complaint

Mumbai: The Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has given a clean chit to a Member of Parliament (MP) in the alleged COVID khichdi scam and GST evasion case. This comes in response to a query from the Lokpal of India, which had sought clarification regarding corruption and misuse of public funds allocated by the central government for the free distribution of food during the pandemic lockdown.

In an order passed by Lokpal chairman Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and five other members, it was observed that no offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act were made out against the elected representatives. The Lokpal noted that the Mumbai Police investigation report did not mention any involvement of the MP or the MLA in the ₹6.37 crore khichdi scam.

The Lokpal had written to the EOW, seeking information on the role of a Member of Parliament and a Member of Legislative Assembly in the alleged scam and tax evasion. In its reply, the EOW confirmed that a criminal case was registered in 2023, and several individuals—including contractors and vendors—had been arrested in connection with the scam.

The police report specifically stated that the case was registered against Sujit Patkar and no allegations were made against any public servants.

Based on this reply, the Lokpal disposed of the complaint, which had been filed in September 2024 against the elected representatives.

Senior police officials declined to comment in detail about the clean chit but maintained that an appropriate and complete response was provided to the Lokpal in line with the investigation findings.

“We have submitted a reply with all the relevant case details and the investigation report,” confirmed a senior police official.

The alleged khichdi scam involved several contractors, including Force One Multi Services and Sahyadri Refreshment, who were awarded tenders to supply khichdi packets to migrant workers at an inflated price of ₹33 per packet, including GST, despite not meeting eligibility criteria. The contractors allegedly supplied substandard 100-gram packets instead of the agreed 300 grams as per contract terms.