Mumbai: Congress Leader Sameer Vartak Among 4 Booked For Impersonating CBI Officer In Alleged 'Fake Raid' On Builder's House

Mumbai: The Kasturba Marg police registered a case against four individuals, including Maharashtra Congress’ now-suspended Environment Department State President, Sameer Vartak, for allegedly posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers and conducting a fake raid at the residence of Borivali-based builder Anil Gupta.

Details On Fake Raid On Builder's Residence

The incident reportedly took place on September 2, 2024, when the accused barged into Gupta’s home, claiming to be CBI officials and attempting to interrogate him. According to the police complaint, the group told Gupta that a complaint had been filed against him by Vartak and that they were acting on it. The accused allegedly threatened Gupta with arrest and pressured him to reach a settlement with Vartak.

No Team Sent For Raid On Gupta's Residence, Says CBI

Gupta, who is one of the suspects in a broader Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into the illegal construction of 41 buildings in Agarwal Nagar, Vasai East, was reportedly alarmed by the encounter. Upon verifying the authenticity of the raid with the CBI, he was informed that the agency had not sent any team to his residence.

Gupta then approached the Kasturba Marg police station with a formal complaint. Acting on his account, police have registered an FIR under charges including impersonation of a public servant and criminal intimidation. “A case has been filed against four people, including Vartak. Further investigation is underway,” confirmed Senior Police Inspector Jairaj Ranavare, as quoted by the Indian Express.

Sameer Vartak Removed From Party Position

The case also sparked political fallout, with the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee on Tuesday announcing that Vartak’s appointment as the head of its Environment Department had been revoked with immediate effect.