<h1>CEO denied bail in Rs 65 crore river desilting contract scam for conspiracy role</h1> A local court denied bail to an alleged middleman in a Rs 65 crore river desilting contract scam, observing that the accused played a crucial role in the conspiracy causing wrongful loss to the civic body. The Economic Offences Wing registered a case against 13 persons including contractors and civic officials. The accused, CEO of a private company, allegedly conspired with officials to insert specific terms in tenders forcing contractors to hire machines from his firm. The court noted the investigation is ongoing with statements from high-ranking civic officers yet to be recorded, and found the accused received various amounts from contractors into his shell company's bank account.