Mumbai: A drain cleaning corruption case has surfaced in Mumbai, where alleged fake registry and video evidence stored in a pendrive have been submitted, starting an investigation on authorities by the Economic Offence Wing (EOW). This comes as the city is experiencing significant disruptions due to heavy rains that caused waterlogging and drainage overflow situations in various areas as well as suburbs, causing traffic and train delays.
A sting operation has uncovered a drain cleaning corruption scheme where log sheets were falsified, misrepresenting construction site materials as sludge. A complaint was filed with agencies, including the Mumbai Police, prompting the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) to initiate an investigation, according to reports by Lokmat.
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Complainant Ganesh Ghadge submitted a pen drive containing evidence, which included log sheets manipulated by showing 'black goods' as cleaning waste. The operation revealed a contractor’s associate using municipal officials' credentials, with simultaneous signatures from officials on the log sheets.
Additionally, mobile devices belonging to 14 junior engineers in S ward and the operation of weighing scales at dumping sites were highlighted. An inquiry committee, established by Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, implicated only three engineers while initiating the blacklisting of contractor Bhupendra Purohit. A departmental inquiry is also in process, leaving the culpability of other officers ambiguous.
The EOW, already probing the Mithi River scam, has now expanded its investigation to include this case due to its implications for corrupt officials. Ghadge, who has filed complaints with the EOW and Mumbai Police, provided comprehensive evidence, including recordings and documents. He indicated that the fraudulent practices seen in S ward were likely widespread throughout Mumbai, necessitating a thorough inquiry into the extent of corruption.
