ED gets key irrigation scam files from ACB

Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has gathered some key files from the state Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on its Maharashtra irrigation scam probe.

The Rs 35,000-crore irrigation scam in the state came to light after the Economic Survey’s observation that Rs 70,000 crore had been spent on various projects in the last decade and allegations about financial irregularities to the tune of Rs 35,000 crore between the period of 1999-2009.

The ACB, in 2015, filed a criminal case against the partners of FA Constructions and a few high-ranking engineers under the Prevention of Corruption Act for causing a loss of Rs 92 crore to the state exchequer in the Balganga irrigation project scam. In September 2015, the ED filed a money-laundering case in the Balganga dam scam.  

According to sources, ED has written to the ACB seeking probe details regarding investigation details and further information about the accused in the irrigation scam. The ED has been investigating the scam for quite some time now. Sources further said that ED specifically asked for the files of a private engineering firm that is under the scanner. The details and files were sent to ED two days ago.

According to the ACB case, the KIDC Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation had floated tenders for the Balganga project and the accused partners of FA Constructions and FA Enterprise, in connivance with irrigation officials, manipulated procedures and documents to secure the contract.