The troubles for Uddhav Thackeray in Maharashtra continue to escalate. Recently, former legislator Shishir Shinde and party spokesperson Manisha Kayande resigned from Shiv Sena (UBT). Now, in connection with the alleged Covid center scam in Mumbai, the ED has conducted raids at the premises of close associates of Uddhav and Aditya Thackeray.

The ED is investigating 16 locations, including the residences of Yuvasena (UBT) secretary Suraj Chavan and IAS officer Sanjeev Jaiswal, who are considered close to Uddhav and Aditya Thackeray. Last August, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya filed an FIR against four partners of Lifeline Hospital Management Services, including Sujit Mukund Patkar. In October 2022, the investigation in this case was handed over to the EOW.

Kirit Somaiya alleged in his complaint that a contract was awarded to a firm with no prior experience in providing health and medical services to set up Covid centers. The firm secured the contract based on forged documents.

In this case, an FIR was registered at Azad Maidan Police Station against Sujit Patkar, a partner of Lifeline Hospital Management Services Limited and a close associate of Sanjay Raut. Earlier, on January 16, BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal recorded his statement before ED officials in the same case.

The ED had summoned Chahal regarding Covid center or field hospital contracts awarded to Sujit Patkar, a close aide of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, and his associates. Speaking to India Today, Chahal said, “When Covid cases began rising in March-April 2020, BMC had only 4,000 beds available. The WHO had advised increasing bed capacity, and the state government then ordered the construction of field hospitals. These field hospitals were to be set up in open grounds, with assistance from agencies like SIDCO, MHADA, and others.”

He added, “Ten jumbo hospitals were built, providing 15,000 beds and 1,000 ICU beds. We informed the government that we lacked sufficient manpower to manage such hospitals, so we sought help from other state agencies for construction.”

Regarding the police complaint, Chahal stated, “In August 2022, Mumbai Police received a complaint related to the field hospitals. We told them we had no mechanism to detect fraud and requested the police department to investigate. We also provided them with details.”

PMRDA had blacklisted the firm

The BJP leader also alleged that the firm had been blacklisted by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority for medical services but concealed this fact from BMC and still managed to secure contracts for operating jumbo centers.

Firm was established on June 26

Earlier, the BJP leader claimed that a pre-bid meeting for a 100-bed hospital facility in Dahisar was called on June 25, 2020. An Expression of Interest was invited on June 27, while Lifeline Hospital Management Services was incorporated on June 26. Thus, the firm participated in the pre-bid before even coming into existence and secured the operation-management contract for Covid ICU beds in Dahisar. A petition regarding this was also filed in a city court.

Azad Maidan Police Station

Azad Maidan Police Station is a prominent police station located near Azad Maidan, a large public ground in Mumbai, India. The area historically served as a rallying point for India’s freedom movement, with “Azad Maidan” meaning “Freedom Ground.” The police station plays a key role in maintaining law and order in the bustling southern part of the city, which includes important landmarks and frequent public gatherings.

Lifeline Hospital Management Services

Lifeline Hospital Management Services appears to be a healthcare management organization, though specific historical details are limited. Such services typically oversee hospital operations, staffing, and patient care to improve efficiency and healthcare delivery. If associated with a particular institution, it may have been established to streamline medical services in its region. For precise details, further research on the specific organization would be needed.

Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority

The **Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA)** is a government body established in 2015 to oversee urban planning and infrastructure development in the Pune Metropolitan Region, Maharashtra, India. It was created to manage rapid urbanization, improve transportation, and promote sustainable growth in Pune and its surrounding areas. PMRDA plays a key role in major projects like the Pune Metro expansion and the proposed **Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Metro line**.

BMC

It seems there might be some confusion—”BMC” could refer to multiple things, such as the **Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA)**, the **British Motor Corporation (BMC)**, or another institution. If you’re referring to a cultural site, could you clarify which BMC you mean?

For example:
– If **BMC** refers to the **British Motor Corporation**, it was a major UK car manufacturer (1952–1966) that produced iconic vehicles like the Mini.
– If it refers to the **Bataillon Mobile de Création (BMC)**, it was a French military cultural unit during WWII.

Let me know how you’d like to proceed!

SIDCO

SIDCO (State Industries Development Corporation) is a government-owned entity in India, established to promote industrial growth and infrastructure development. Typically operating at the state level, SIDCO provides support such as land, financing, and facilities to encourage small and medium-sized industries. While specific histories vary by state, these corporations were generally founded in the mid-to-late 20th century to boost regional economic progress.

MHADA

MHADA (Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority) is a government organization established in 1977 to address housing shortages and urban development in Maharashtra, India. It focuses on providing affordable housing, slum rehabilitation, and infrastructure projects, particularly in Mumbai and other major cities. Over the years, MHADA has played a key role in urban planning and housing schemes for low- and middle-income residents.

Dahisar

Dahisar is a suburban neighborhood located in the northern part of Mumbai, India, known for its mix of residential areas, green spaces, and proximity to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Historically, it was a small village that grew rapidly as Mumbai expanded, becoming an important transit point between the city and the northern suburbs. Today, it is a bustling area with local markets, temples, and connectivity via the Mumbai Suburban Railway.

ED

It seems like “ED” might be a typo or incomplete reference. Could you clarify or provide more details about the place or cultural site you’re referring to? For example, are you asking about the *Edinburgh Castle* in Scotland, the *Edakkal Caves* in India, or another location? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help with a summary!