Khichdi distribution 'scam': Bombay HC grants bail to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Suraj Chavan
Mumbai (PTI): The Bombay High Court on Tuesday granted bail to Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Suraj Chavan in a money laundering case linked to an alleged scam in the distribution of 'khichdi' packets to migrant workers in Mumbai during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Justice Milind Jadhav allowed Chavan's bail application, noting that he was in prison for more than one year and the trial was not likely to be completed "in the foreseeable future".
"If applicant's detention is further continued, it would amount to the infringement of his fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution of India of a speedy trial and guarantee of personal liberty," the court said.
The Enforcement Directorate arrested Chavan, a core committee member of the Yuva Sena, youth wing of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, in January 2024.
The money laundering case of the ED stems from a First Information Report registered by the Mumbai police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW).
As per the ED, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) transferred Rs 8.64 crore into the bank account of Force One Multi Services to distribute khichdi packets to migrant workers who were stranded in the city during the lockdown on account of COVID-19.
There was a scam of Rs 3.64 crore, of which Rs 1.25 crore were diverted to Chavan's bank account and Rs 10 lakh to the account of his partnership firm Fire Fighters Enterprises, the ED claimed.
Chavan, thus, acquired "proceeds of crime" of Rs 1.35 crore which he used to buy property and invest in dairy business, the central agency alleged.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
