On Friday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a series of raids in Maharashtra and Kerala as part of an investigation into a money laundering case linked to the alleged scam involving the dredging of the Meethi River. Reports indicate that this scandal has resulted in a loss of ₹65 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Sources revealed that the ED conducted searches at over 15 locations in Mumbai and Kochi. The investigation is being carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED's case stems from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police, which was initiated to probe alleged irregularities in the dredging operations of the Meethi River. It is reported that these irregularities have led to significant financial losses for the BMC.

The EOW has registered a case against 13 individuals, including municipal officials and contractors, for their alleged involvement in the scam. The Meethi River flows through Mumbai and merges into the Arabian Sea. Allegations suggest that the tender process for renting specialized dredging equipment was manipulated to benefit certain suppliers.