Suraj Chavan appears before EOW over irregularities in khichdi distribution during COVID-19

Suraj Chavan, a Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary, appeared before the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai police on Tuesday as part of a preliminary investigation into the distribution of khichdi to migrants during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Chavan, a close aide of party leader and former minister Aaditya Thackeray, appeared before EOW officials on the compound of the police commissioner’s office in south Mumbai around 11.45 am, he said. EOW is conducting the preliminary enquiry (PE) in connection with alleged irregularities in the distribution of khichdi, a preparation of rice and lentils, to migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic, the contract for which had been awarded by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

EOW officials are going to record Suraj Chavan’s statement in connection with the PE, he said. Last month, Chavan was questioned by the EOW for six hours over alleged irregularities linked to works awarded by the BMC to contractors and suppliers during the pandemic based on the inputs of the Enforcement Directorate (ED).