look news india
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday raided several offices of Bengaluru’s municipal corporation, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). This action was taken as part of the investigation into alleged irregularities and money laundering allegations in civic projects.
Scope of raid and reason for investigation
ED raided six different offices of BBMP under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The focus of the investigation is alleged financial irregularities in civic projects like borewell drilling, repair of stormwater drains and installation of RO plants.
At 11 am on Tuesday, seven ED officials reached the BBMP headquarters and started examining the documents and electronic devices. During this period a large number of files and data were seized.
Investigation of irregularities and allegations
The ED has initiated a money laundering investigation by linking several police complaints related to irregularities in these projects. Officials suspect that large-scale financial manipulation has been carried out in the name of these projects.
A senior BBMP official said that a senior engineer has been specifically taken under investigation in the raid. ED has collected evidence by examining the files of civic infrastructure projects related to his tenure.
BBMP: Center of controversy and allegations
BBMP is one of the largest and wealthiest municipal bodies in Bengaluru. However, in recent years, controversies and allegations of irregularities have repeatedly arisen over its operations. Cases of alleged corruption in civic infrastructure projects, such as repair of roads, drainage systems and other works, have been exposed in the past.
Importance of ED’s action
This raid is an important step towards exposing the lack of transparency and financial irregularities in the operations of BBMP. If the investigation finds concrete evidence of money laundering and corruption, it could have a major impact on the image of the BBMP and the future of Bengaluru’s civic infrastructure.
