CBI, ED Probe Sought in ₹1,500 Crore Irrigation Case Linked to Hetawane Project.

The controversy surrounding the Hetawane Medium Project has intensified after a formal complaint sought investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate into alleged irregularities involving irrigation works worth over ₹1,500 crore. The complaint alleged manipulated tender procedures, substandard execution, weak supervision, and financial misconduct across several irrigation schemes managed through the Kamarli division of the Water Resources Department. Officials named in the complaint include Dineshree Kalu Rajbhoj and other engineers connected to project execution and approvals. The allegations remain unproven pending official inquiry or judicial findings.

Hetawane Medium Project Corruption Allegations: Complaint Seeks CBI and ED Probe Into ₹1,500 Crore Irrigation Works

A formal complaint alleging large-scale corruption, poor-quality execution, illegal asset sales, and administrative collusion in irrigation projects under the Konkan Development Corporation has triggered demands for investigations by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate.

The allegations relate to irrigation and underground pipeline works worth more than ₹1,500 crore executed under the Water Resources Department through the Hetawane Medium Project Division located at Kamarli in Raigad district.

The complaint claims that multiple irrigation projects under the administrative jurisdiction of the Kamarli office witnessed irregular execution, manipulated tendering processes, weak supervision, and systematic misuse of public resources over several years.

Several officials, engineers, contractors, and intermediaries have been named in the complaint, which has intensified scrutiny surrounding public infrastructure spending and accountability mechanisms within Maharashtra’s irrigation sector.

Officials and engineers named in Hetawane project allegations

The complaint specifically names Executive Engineer Dineshree Kalu Rajbhoj, Sub-Divisional Engineer Akash Popat Thombre, and Assistant Engineer Grade-1 Radhika Suryakant Kaple.

An alleged unofficial assistant identified by the nickname “Pandu” and several allegedly favoured or bogus contractors have also been mentioned in connection with the alleged financial irregularities and project execution concerns.

According to the complaint, government approvals and revised administrative sanctions were granted for underground pipeline and dam-related works across multiple irrigation projects managed through the Kamarli division in Raigad district.

The projects under scrutiny include the Hetawane Medium Project, Sambarkund Medium Project, Amboli Minor Irrigation Scheme, Nageshwari Minor Irrigation Scheme, Kotheri Minor Irrigation Scheme, Panhalghar Minor Irrigation Scheme, and Kalvali Dharvali Minor Irrigation Scheme.

Tender manipulation and alleged financial irregularities under scrutiny

The complaint alleges that Executive Engineer Dineshree Kalu Rajbhoj structured tendering procedures to bypass standard administrative norms and to facilitate contracts for favoured contractors and associated entities.

According to the allegations, Sub-Divisional Engineer Akash Popat Thombre and Assistant Engineer Grade-1 Radhika Suryakant Kaple allegedly acted as operational intermediaries in processing and clearing disputed project-related work.

The complaint further claims that substandard execution by allegedly non-credible contractors caused serious financial losses to the public exchequer while compromising the structural integrity and long-term performance of the irrigation infrastructure.

No court, government audit authority, or independent inquiry commission has yet established the allegations as proven facts, and the accused individuals have not publicly responded in detail to the complaint.

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Illegal sale of public assets and bridge theft allegations emerge

Beyond construction concerns, the complaint alleges illegal sale of soil embankments, excavated materials, and minor minerals collected along underground pipeline routes and canal-linked project areas within Raigad district.

A separate allegation involving the reported theft of an iron canal bridge has generated significant local attention, with residents and regional media reportedly questioning security and monitoring mechanisms surrounding public infrastructure assets.

According to the complaint, the matter reached the Pen Police Station, although allegations have also been made regarding attempts to dilute or suppress the seriousness of the investigation.

The complainant has argued that local-level investigations alone may not ensure an impartial probe, considering the scale of alleged financial irregularities and possible political or administrative influence linked to the matter.

Demand for CBI and ED investigation intensifies

The complaint seeks an independent criminal investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the role of engineers, contractors, and departmental officials associated with the irrigation works and financial approvals.

Simultaneously, the complainant has demanded a financial investigation by the Enforcement Directorate to examine alleged money laundering, suspected illegal asset accumulation, and possible diversion of government funds connected to the projects.

Observers argue that the allegations highlight broader governance concerns surrounding infrastructure contracting, technical audits, contractor verification, and transparency within large-scale public irrigation schemes across Maharashtra.

Sprouts News has not independently verified the complaint’s administrative or financial claims. Any determination regarding criminal liability, financial wrongdoing, or misconduct will depend upon official investigations, forensic audits, and legally sustainable evidence produced before competent authorities.

Readers possessing documents, tender records, photographs, videos, or verified information related to irrigation projects, public infrastructure irregularities, corruption, or misuse of government funds may contact investigative journalist Unmesh Gujarathi’s team on 9322755098. Identities of confidential whistleblowers and sources will be protected responsibly.

Editorial Note:

This article is based on publicly available FIR records, court case references, and reports published by multiple media organisations. The information is presented in the context of ongoing investigations and public interest reporting. Sprouts News does not make any judicial determination regarding the individuals mentioned and does not intend to defame any person or organisation. Any individual seeking clarification or wishing to provide an official response may contact the editorial team with verifiable documentation. The information is presented for journalistic and informational purposes.