Khichdi scam case: The Bombay High Court has given bail to Suraj Chavan, a close aide of Aditya Thackeray, arrested in the khichdi scam. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Chavan in a money laundering case related to irregularities in food packet distribution during the Kovid period. After the High Court’s decision, he will come out of jail after a year and 18 days.
The Bombay High Court granted bail that no official evidence is available to support the allegations against the vendor involved in the case. According to the court, the prosecution claims that the Force One Multi Service supplied the under-weight food packets, but to certify it, there was no material record from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
What is a khichdi scam?
During the Kovid-19 epidemic, BMC decided to distribute khichdi to migrant laborers. On 9 April 2020, a meeting was held at BMC’s Baykula office, in which it was decided to give a contract to the maker of more than 5,000 food packets. This contract was to be given to Charitable Organization, NGO and Community Kitchen. The condition was that the person who got the contract should have a certificate of the kitchen and health department. The FIR alleges that the BMC ignored these rules and incorrectly gave contracts.
What did the court say?
The court said that if the applicant is kept closed for a long time, it will be a violation of human rights found under Article 21 in the Constitution, which guarantees early hearing and private freedom. Chavan was arrested in January 2024. Now after the Bombay High Court’s decision, Suraj Chavan can come out of jail soon. However, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) may consider next legal action against this decision.
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