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Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Mithi River desilting fraud: ED freezes funds worth ₹47 crore following searches
MUMBAI: The Mumbai unit of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has frozen funds worth over ₹47 crore from bank deposits, fixed deposits and demat accounts linked to civic contractors and officials following searches at eight places across Mumbai on Thursday as part of its investigation into the alleged irregularities in the execution of contracts for desilting the Mithi River. Mumbai, India. June 30, 2025: View of the polluted Mithi River at the Powai area of Mumbai. The Mithi River flows through Salsette Island, which is part of the city of Mumbai. Mumbai, India. June 3, 2025. (Photo by Raju Shinde/HT Photo) (Raju Shinde) According to officials aware of the developments, the search operation covered commercial and residential premises linked to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) contractors Acute Designs, Kailash Construction Company, Nikhil Construction Co, N A Construction Pvt Ltd, JRS Infrastructure and civic engineer Prashant Tayshete, whose assets worth ₹1 crore were frozen. 'The search action led to the freezing of more than ₹47 crore in multiple bank accounts, FDRs (fixed deposit receipts) and funds lying in demat accounts,' said an ED official, requesting anonymity. Out of this, assets worth around ₹1 crore allegedly belonged to Tayshete. 'Further, digital devices and records pertaining to various immovable properties and documents have been seized during the course of the search, which are relevant for further proceedings under the PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act),' the official added. The ED launched its money laundering investigation on May 6 based on an FIR registered at the Azad Maidan police station against 13 individuals and entities, including civic officials, contractors and intermediaries, for allegedly causing the BMC wrongful losses worth over ₹65 crore while executing contracts to desilt the Mithi River. 'The evidence collected during the course of investigation and the search operations prima facie indicate various irregularities in the works related to desilting of Mithi River by the contractors in connivance with officials of the SWD (stormwater drain) department of the BMC and others,' said the ED official. During the course of the investigation, the ED also found that civic contractors had submitted false documents, including Memorandums of Understanding from landowners and no-objection certificates from village panchayats for land purportedly used for dumping silt, the official added. The investigation has also revealed that BMC officials misused their positions for financial gain while procuring silt pushers and multipurpose amphibious pontoon machines to desilt the river in 2021 and 2022. Earlier, on June 6, the ED carried out search operations at 18 locations across Mumbai, Kochi and Thrissur in connection with the investigation. The agency has seized or frozen proceeds of crime worth around ₹49.8 crore so far, officials said.
India Today
7 days ago
- India Today
Contractors colluded with Mumbai civic body officials: ED on Mithi desilting scam
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its probe into the Mithi River desilting scam, uncovering significant financial irregularities. Search operations were conducted across eight locations in Mumbai, revealing a network of collaboration between contractors and officials from the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC).The investigation stems from an FIR filed on May 6 at Azad Maidan Police Station, Mumbai, which accused 13 entities of causing a substantial financial loss to the BMC. Initial inquiries revealed that several contractors submitted falsified documents, including Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and No Objection Certificates (NoCs) for land use in silt gathered suggests these irregularities were orchestrated in collusion with officials from the BMC's Storm Water Drain (SWD) Department. This collaboration allegedly enabled the contractors to benefit illegally, contributing to wrongful financial losses exceeding Rs 65 crore. The ED's search operations have led to freezing assets worth over Rs 47 crore. Further examination has brought to light the misuse of official positions by BMC officials, particularly in the procurement and use of specialised machinery for desilting operations. These included Silt Pusher and Amphibious Pontoon Machines, incorporated into tenders during 2021-2022. The misconduct extended to favouring certain contractors through manipulated tender the ED conducted search operations at 18 locations on June 6 as part of this investigation. The total proceeds of crime seized or frozen in this matter now stand at approximately Rs 49.8 ED's recent search actions have also involved questioning notable figures such as actor Dino Morea and his brother, as well as targeting premises linked to several contractors and a BMC engineer. The investigation's scope appears to be widening, aiming to hold all involved parties accountable for their roles in the scam.- EndsMust Watch
Indian Express
22-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Gujarat HC asks 8 municipal corps to install cloth bag vending machines, plastic bottle collecting machines
To ensure that 'effective steps' are taken to implement the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Gujarat High Court has recommended that eight Municipal Corporations in the state take 'proactive measures' by emulating the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB)'s initiative of installing cloth bag vending machines and reverse vending machines for collecting plastic bottles. The HC has also directed the State Monitoring Committee of GPCB and the Commissioner of Municipalities to file a joint response regarding the installation of Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) and the engagement of plastic waste processing units in municipalities across the state. On July 18, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice D N Ray was hearing a PIL filed by Advocate Amit Panchal in February 2023, seeking directions to ensure 'proper sanitation and disposal of waste on Girnar hilltop.' The PIL had contended that the area had become a 'dumping ground' with trash scattered all over. The court recommended that Municipal Corporations conduct workshops in schools run by civic bodies to create awareness and ensure effective implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission. In its oral order, uploaded on Monday, the Gujarat High Court said, 'Eight Municipal Corporations in the State shall make an endeavour to emulate the initiative taken by the GPCB in installation of cloth bag vending machines and reverse vending machines (for collecting plastic bottles) in all key areas to be identified by them, specifically where there is a large footfall of the general public. The Municipalities which are managing tourist places like Dwarka and Somnath in the State shall also draw an example to set up such machines in the areas of major tourist footfall.' The Unit Head of the Plastic Waste Cell of the GPCB, in an affidavit before the HC, stated that as part of the 'strict implementation of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, to promote eco-friendly practices,' the GPCB had installed Cloth Bag Vending Machines in key areas of Ahmedabad and Surat, and 24 Reverse Vending Machines for collecting plastic bottles across the state to encourage proper disposal and recycling. The affidavit further stated that, in compliance with the HC's April 25 order, the GPCB had inspected 91 municipalities, out of which 65 have installed MRFs and 32 have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with registered plastic waste processors. The GPCB informed the court that of the 65 MRFs, three are still non-operational, 39 are manually operated, 21 are mechanized, and five operate through both manual and mechanical means. It also informed the court that 88 show-cause notices have been issued to municipalities 'either for non-installation of MRF Facility and/or non-signing of MoU with a registered Plastic Waste Processor.' In its oral order, the court directed the State Monitoring Committee and the Commissioner of Municipalities to hold meetings with Chief Officers of the municipalities for further implementation. The order stated: '…hold a meeting with the Chief Officers, Nagarpalika (Municipality) giving them a timeline to ensure installation of MRF facility and engage plastic waste processing units registered with the GPCB. The Chief Officer of Nagarpalika shall be personally made liable with penal consequences, in case of defiance of the timeline, which shall be duly worked out by the State Monitoring Committee. The joint response of the State Monitoring Committee and the Commissioner of Municipality shall be brought before this Court in a personal affidavit of the Commissioner of Municipalities (Administration) to be filed on the next date fixed.' The matter will be next heard on September 12.
Time Business News
15-07-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
How Addiction Recovery Centres Are Partnering with Local Governments for Safer Communities
The Intersection of Public Health and Public Safety Historically, addiction was addressed through punitive means, often handled exclusively by law enforcement and the judicial system. Recovery centres and public health agencies operated in parallel, rarely intersecting with policing or criminal justice protocols. This fragmented approach has proven insufficient against the rising tide of substance use disorders. In recent years, addiction has been reframed as a public health emergency rather than a criminal issue. This evolution has led to a pivotal alliance: addiction recovery centres are now working closely with local governments to create multifaceted strategies that prioritize both health outcomes and community safety. Together, these stakeholders are developing holistic models that blend care, accountability, and prevention. Finding a Path to a Healthier Tomorrow Taking the first step toward recovery can be one of the most difficult yet rewarding decisions in a person's life. The journey is often marked by emotional hurdles, setbacks, and personal transformation. A combination of therapy, medical support, and community can create a strong foundation for lasting change. Drug Addiction Treatment typically involves detoxification, behavioral counseling, and long-term follow-up to prevent relapse. Every individual's experience is unique, requiring personalized strategies and compassionate care. With the right support system, healing is not only possible—it becomes a new way of living filled with hope and resilience. Strategic Alliances: Building the Framework The foundation of effective collaboration begins with strategic alignment. Recovery centres and municipalities are formalizing their partnerships through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), which clarify roles, responsibilities, and resource-sharing mechanisms. These agreements establish a roadmap for joint operations, setting clear expectations for both governmental and clinical actors. Joint task forces, often composed of city officials, public health experts, recovery centre directors, and law enforcement personnel, are increasingly common. These interdisciplinary bodies convene regularly to assess ongoing challenges, share data, and adapt policy. Their presence signals a shift from siloed decision-making to unified, community-first governance. Shared Resources and Coordinated Funding One of the most powerful benefits of partnership lies in shared resourcing. Funding for addiction recovery services often originates from a labyrinth of sources—federal grants, state allocations, and local budgets. When governments and recovery centres pool their financial and logistical resources, they gain access to a broader spectrum of tools. Joint funding models now support the expansion of detox facilities, mobile outreach teams, and crisis stabilization units. In several jurisdictions, local governments help subsidize the salaries of peer support workers and case managers, acknowledging that long-term recovery requires sustained human connection, not just clinical intervention. By coordinating fiscal strategies, both parties can maximize their impact while minimizing redundancy. Community-Based Intervention Programs A hallmark of these partnerships is the development of community-centric intervention programs. Instead of defaulting to arrest and incarceration, many cities now deploy pre-arrest diversion programs. These initiatives allow individuals struggling with substance use to be directed toward recovery centres rather than jail cells. In tandem, municipalities are embedding licensed clinicians within law enforcement agencies. These professionals respond alongside officers to calls involving mental health or substance crises, providing immediate triage and connection to care. This symbiotic model reduces the burden on emergency rooms and correctional facilities while fostering safer, more humane responses to addiction. Rehabilitation Over Incarceration: A Shift in Policy Progressive jurisdictions are moving away from punitive sentencing models toward rehabilitation-first frameworks. Specialized drug courts offer eligible offenders the option of entering a structured treatment program rather than serving traditional jail time. This shift not only addresses the root causes of addiction but significantly lowers the likelihood of reoffending. Statistical evidence supports this pivot. Participants in court-mandated recovery programs report lower recidivism rates compared to those who undergo standard incarceration. These outcomes reinforce the argument that therapeutic intervention is not just a compassionate approach—it's a pragmatic one. Education, Awareness, and Public Engagement Beyond clinical and judicial reform, public awareness is a critical pillar of these collaborations. Recovery centres and local governments are jointly spearheading community engagement campaigns aimed at destigmatizing addiction and promoting available services. Town hall meetings, school outreach programs, and multimedia campaigns are being leveraged to build trust and transparency. Highlighting local success stories has proven especially effective. When community members witness the tangible transformation of neighbors, colleagues, and family members, perceptions begin to shift. Recovery becomes not a hidden struggle, but a shared civic triumph. Conclusion: A Future Forged in Unity The fusion of recovery centres and local government entities is forging a resilient framework for healthier, safer communities. These partnerships are dismantling outdated binaries—health vs. justice, care vs. control—and replacing them with cohesive strategies grounded in empathy, science, and shared accountability. As the social landscape evolves, this synergy will become increasingly indispensable. Together, municipalities and treatment providers are not merely responding to addiction—they are reshaping the societal architecture that once enabled its neglect. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mumbai businessman accused in bank fraud and money laundering case denied bail
Mumbai: Observing that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) collected sufficient material to prima facie conclude that the applicant was actively involved in the offence of money laundering, a special PMLA court on Friday rejected the bail plea of businessman Vijay Gupta. He is accused in a Rs 764.44 crore fraud involving the State Bank of India (SBI). Gupta, founder of the Vindhyavasini Group of Companies, which operates in steel manufacturing, real estate development, and infrastructure services, remains in judicial custody. The ED strongly opposed the bail, submitting that Gupta is a "habitual economic offender" actively involved in money laundering. Given the gravity and seriousness of the offences, the court concluded that Gupta is not entitled to bail. While the defence claimed that the accused was in jail for over 12 months, the court noted that he was arrested in the money laundering case only in March this year. The court said that the period of custody in the predicate offence cannot be considered since the offence under section PMLA is a different and distinct offence. The ED's case stems from six FIRs registered by the CBI and EOW, Mumbai, against six companies of the Vindhyavasini Group. It is submitted that these companies, promoted and managed by Gupta, are accused of defrauding the SBI's Eastern Express Highway Branch in Thane of approximately Rs 764.44 crores. According to the ED, the accused used 57 shell entities and 117 bank accounts for the placement, integration, and layering of the proceeds of crime. The ED detailed a systematic scheme of fraud, including the submission of fabricated and inflated Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), Technical Economic Viability (TEV) reports, and highly inflated valuation reports of mortgaged properties to secure maximum loan sanctions from SBI. It was further alleged that the accused colluded with Vishwas Kadam, a then relationship manager for Medium Enterprises (RMME) at SBI, Thane branch, and loan consultant Vijay Patil, to process and approve loans based on these forged documents. The ED claims Gupta paid a bribe of Rs 59 lakh to Vishwas Kadam. It was further submitted that there was a diversion of approximately Rs 164 crore from cash credit limit accounts of group companies to Gupta's personal accounts and shell entities owned by him and his brothers, Ajay Gupta and Sanjay Gupta. These funds were allegedly routed multiple times for unauthorised purposes. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The ED also submitted that around Rs 42.77 crore were withdrawn in cash from August 2010 to July 2013 from the bank accounts of the Vindhyavasini Group, shell entities, and personal accounts of family members. Allegations include the purchase of flats in Borivali and Kandivali using illicit funds, with one flat reportedly purchased in the name of his children's caretaker. It was also alleged that Gupta siphoned off a significant portion of Rs 13.20 crore received as compensation from NHAI for land acquisition, some of which was already mortgaged with SBI. Gupta's lawyer argued that he was falsely implicated and that the case was lodged with ulterior motives. It was also contended that the transactions are civil in nature, with recovery proceedings already initiated by SBI pending before civil courts. It was also submitted that sufficient collateral was provided to the bank, and the remaining dues of Rs 321 crores (out of a total loan of Rs 805 crores, with Rs 486 crores already recovered) could be covered by auctioning mortgaged properties, including the Solaris Building at Powai, valued at approximately Rs 400 crore in 2013. The defence highlighted Gupta's incarceration of over 12 months and the unlikelihood of a speedy trial given hundreds of witnesses and over fifty thousand pages of documentary evidence.
