The raid is being conducted in connection with the illegal buildings constructed in the Vasai-Virar region. The municipal corporation, led by Pawar, is mired in rampant corruption
The raids are being conducted just a day after Pawar got transferred. PIC/ HANIF PATEL
The Enforcement Directorate officials conducted a raid at the official bungalow of Anilkumar Pawar, the former Commissioner of Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC), on Tuesday morning in Vasai.
The raid is being conducted in connection with the illegal buildings constructed in the Vasai-Virar region. The municipal corporation, led by Pawar, is mired in rampant corruption.
The raids are being conducted just a day after Pawar got transferred.
Sources in the Central agency confirmed the raids and added that the sleuths of ED have been conducting raids at 12 different locations connected to Pawar.
In May, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Mumbai Zonal Office, had conducted search operations at 13 different locations across Mumbai and Hyderabad under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The Search operation led to seizure of Rs. 9.04 Crore (approx.) cash and Rs. 23.25 Crore worth of diamond-studded Jewellery & Bullion and a large number of incriminating documents.
ED initiated an investigation on the basis of multiple FIRs registered by the Mira Bhayandar Police Commissionerate against builders, local henchmen and others. The case pertains to “illegal construction of residential cum commercial buildings on government and private land” under the jurisdiction of “VVCMC” since 2009.
Over a while, 41 illegal buildings were constructed on the land reserved for “Sewage Treatment Plant” and “Dumping Ground” as per the approved development plan of Vasai Virar City. The accused builders and developers have deceived and the general public at large by constructing illegal buildings on such land and subsequently selling it to them (general public) by fabricating approval documents. Even with prior knowledge that these buildings were unauthorised and would eventually be demolished, the developers misled the people by selling rooms in these buildings, thereby committing serious fraud.
The Bombay HC vide its order dated July 8, 2024, ordered the demolition of all 41 buildings. Thereafter, an SLP was filed before the Hon’ble Supreme Court by the families residing in 41 illegal buildings, which was dismissed. The demolition of all 41 buildings was completed by VVCMC on February 20, 2025.
ED investigation revealed that the large-scale illegal construction in the area has been going on since 2009. It has been found that the key perpetrators of the large-scale scam in the jurisdiction of Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation are Sitaram Gupta, Arun Gupta and others. Further, during the investigation, it has been found that these unauthorised/illegal buildings were constructed with the close connivance of various VVMC officials. During the search operation at the premises of Y S Reddy, Deputy Director, Town Planning, VVMC, cash amounting to Rs. 8.6 Crore and diamond-studded Jewellery and Bullion worth Rs. 23.25 Crore were seized. Further, various incriminating documents have been seized, which through light on a large-scale scam of illegal construction that happened at the Vasai Virar area with hand in gloves with officials of VVMC.
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