"Those genuinely corrupt wash off their graft taint in BJP's washing machine": Aaditya Thackerary after arrest of aide Suraj Chavan

A close aide of Aaditya Thackeray, Suraj Chavan was remanded in the custody of the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) until January 22 in the alleged BMC Khichdi Covid scam case.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the Sena (UBT) leader said, "The (Eknath) Shinde government in Maharashtra is a cowardly regime. The CM is also a coward. He split our party and fell into the BJP's lap in a bid to shield himself against the corruption cases against him."

"Those who are genuinely corrupt join the BJP in a bid to wash off their graft taint in their washing machine. Those standing for the truth and fighting for the restoration of democracy and rule of law are with us," Aaditya, son of former CM Uddhav Thackeray, said.

ED arrested Chavan in connection with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Khichdi Covid 'scam' on Wednesday night.

Chavan was alleged to have been involved in financial irregularities worth Rs 1 crore linked to the distribution of 'khichdi' to migrant workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In June last year, ED conducted raids at 15 locations in Mumbai, including Chavan's residence, and recovered documents in connection with the alleged scam.

It is also probing a case of money laundering against businessman Sujit Patkar, an alleged close aide of Sena (UBT) leader and MP Sanjay Raut, and others.

Last year, raids were also conducted at locations associated with some officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and some other people, including IAS officer Sanjeev Jaiswal, in connection with the Covid-19 hospital management contracts.

ED's money laundering case against Chavan and others is based on an FIR filed in September, last year, by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police. (ANI)