MUMBAI, INDIA (TEH) – Amid a series of profound investigations into the alleged misconduct during the establishment of COVID-19 centers in Maharashtra, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken into custody two confidants of Shiv Sena’s Member of Parliament (MP), Sanjay Raut. Among the two individuals detained by the investigative agency is Sujit Patkar, a close associate of Raut.
In the heart of the Corona epidemic, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation embarked on the establishment of colossal COVID centers throughout the city, which are now the subject of a deep-seated scandal. These allegations gained momentum when BJP leader Kirit Somaiya asserted that the contracts for the COVID centers had been awarded to unqualified parties. According to Somaiya, none of the companies entrusted with these contracts had an established presence prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, which raises questions about their legitimacy. His objections also revolved around the alleged contravention of protocols by the Municipal Corporation, which reportedly bypassed numerous regulations to award these contracts.
These concerns surfaced after Somaiya voiced his suspicions about the BMC Covid scam case. This outcry spurred the ED to undertake a series of raids in about 15 locations in Mumbai.
Sanjay Raut, however, was quick to downplay the allegations and the ensuing arrest of Patkar, merely stating, “He is just my friend.” The spotlight shifted to Patkar when the ED’s investigative documents revealed papers related to an Alibaug land transaction at his residence. Furthermore, the transaction included the names of Patkar’s wife and Varsha Rauta, adding an extra layer of complexity to the case.
Dr. Sujit Patkar, addressing his involvement, stated that he is one of the partners in Lifesciences Hospital & Management Firm. But the company is owned by Hemant Gupta and is registered in the name of his clinic in Worli, according to Hindustan Times.
As the investigation continues to unfold, the political stakes in Maharashtra seem to be mounting, with the implicated associates of high-ranking party members under scrutiny. This case paints a distressing picture of alleged corruption and mismanagement in the backdrop of a public health crisis, which continues to be a matter of considerable concern to the authorities and the public alike.
