The Enforcement Directorate (ED) claimed before a court here that “proceeds of crime” received by Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Suraj Chavan, accused in a money laundering case, were used to buy property and invest in a dairy business. monday.

The special PMLA court in Mumbai extended Chavan’s ED custody till January 25 in a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in the distribution of ‘khichdi’ to migrants during the COVID-19 period.

Chavan, who is a core committee member of Yuva Sena, the youth wing of Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on January 17 after questioning at the agency’s office. Was. Here. He is said to be a close aide of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray.

As Chavan’s preliminary ED custody ended on Monday, the investigating agency sought extension of his remand by seven days, claiming that the accused played a “very important role” in the crime of money laundering.

The money laundering case stems from an FIR by the Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police. According to police, there were alleged irregularities while awarding the contract by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to provide ‘Khichdi’ to migrants during Covid-19.

The investigating agency said that a sum of Rs. will be charged for the supply of Khichdi packets. Rs 8.64 crore was transferred by BMC to the bank account of Force One Multi Services (which was given the work order for Khichdi).

The investigation conducted under the PMLA revealed that Force One Multi Services had generated “proceeds of crime” of approximately Rs 3.64 crore, of which Rs 1.25 crore was deposited in Chavan’s personal bank account and Rs 10 lakh in his partnership’s bank account. Were sent. The firm – Fire Fighters Enterprises, the ED claimed.

It alleges that in this way, accused Chavan wrongly earned “proceeds of crime” of Rs 1.35 crore. Investigation under ED custody revealed that the amount of Rs 1.35 crore received by accused Chavan from Force One Multi Services was used in purchasing immovable residential flat, agricultural land, investment in dairy business, personal payments etc. Tax liabilities and other personal expenses,” the agency claimed.

It said that additional documents have been sought from the police officers and it is necessary to confront Chavan. Apart from this, other key personnel and associates of Force One Multi Services are also under investigation and the outcome of the same will have to face the accused, he is one of the key persons who are crucial to expose the ‘Khichdi’. Can expose. Scam’, ED said.

Seeking further custody of the accused, the investigating agency said that continuous custodial interrogation is required to trace the money. The court extended Chavan’s ED custody till January 25.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)