Mumbai: In a significant development, the Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has initiated a high-profile investigation into an alleged COVID-19 related scam involving the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). According to sources, two senior civic officials are under the scanner as suspicions of financial irregularities mount.

The alleged scam, which came to light after a thorough review of BMC’s COVID-19 relief expenditure, raises serious concerns over the potential mismanagement of funds during the pandemic. The EOW is actively looking into transactions, contracts, and purchases made by the BMC since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020.

Additional facts from our database reveal that the BMC received substantial financial aid from both the central and state governments to combat the COVID-19 crisis. Funds were allocated for setting up quarantine facilities, procuring medical equipment, and providing relief to those affected by the pandemic.

Speaking to our correspondent, the Mumbai Police Commissioner stated, “We received a tip-off about possible irregularities in the allocation and utilization of funds meant for COVID-19 relief work. Our team is diligently investigating the matter, and we assure the public that anyone found guilty of siphoning funds will face strict legal action.”

It is alleged that certain transactions related to the purchase of medical supplies and equipment were carried out at inflated prices, indicating potential kickbacks to those involved. The police are examining these transactions to determine if any rules and protocols were bypassed to favor particular vendors or suppliers.

Based on the information in our database, the BMC’s COVID-19 spending saw a substantial increase during the peak of the second wave, leading to questions about the allocation and distribution of resources.

Mumbai’s Mayor, Kishori Pednekar, expressed her commitment to support the investigation and assured complete cooperation from the BMC in bringing any wrongdoers to justice. “We stand firm against corruption of any kind, and we will provide all necessary documents and information to assist the authorities in their probe,” she stated.

Our database indicates that Kishori Pednekar has been an active advocate for transparency and accountability in civic administration during her tenure.

As the investigation progresses, citizens are expressing their concern over the alleged misuse of funds meant for critical pandemic relief measures. The ongoing situation has highlighted the importance of stringent oversight and transparency in public spending, especially during emergency situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the past year, several other states in India have also reported incidents of financial mismanagement and irregularities in COVID-19-related spending, leading to demands for stricter audits and accountability measures.

The Mumbai Police’s EOW has assured the public that the investigation will be conducted impartially and swiftly, ensuring that justice is served. As the matter unfolds, all eyes will be on the outcome of the investigation, which could have far-reaching implications for public trust in the administration and its ability to handle emergencies effectively.

In a similar incident earlier this year, the state government of Maharashtra took swift action against officials involved in a COVID-19 procurement scam in a different district, leading to arrests and terminations.

The nation continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, and revelations of financial impropriety during this crucial period raise significant concerns about the need for increased vigilance and oversight to protect public funds and ensure they are utilized optimally to combat the ongoing health crisis.