Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recovered Rs 44 lakh in cash hidden behind a wooden door concealing a metal cupboard at a residence in Nalasopara (East). The house belongs to a former corporator allegedly involved in a large-scale illegal construction racket in Vasai East.
The recovery was made during multi-location searches conducted by the ED on Wednesday and Thursday as part of its ongoing money laundering probe. According to sources, the cupboard was found behind a wooden panel that initially raised suspicions among ED officials. When the house owner refused to provide the key, a locksmith was called in to open it, leading to the discovery of the concealed cash, according to Hindustan Times report.
These raids were part of a broader investigation involving 13 locations across Vasai, Virar. The probe focuses on the construction of 41 unauthorised buildings on a 60-acre land parcel originally designated for public utility projects. The ED initiated its investigation following several FIRs filed by the Mira-Bhayandar police.
The largest seizure occurred at the Hyderabad residence of Y S Reddy, Deputy Director (Town Planning) at the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC). Officials recovered Rs 32.29 crore in total, including Rs 23.25 crore worth of diamond-studded jewellery and bullion, and Rs 9.04 crore in cash, as per report.
Reddy was at home during the raid and was hospitalised afterward due to reported heart-related issues. Searches also targeted other alleged key figures in the illegal construction scheme.
Investigators suspect collusion between civic officials and private builders. Important documents seized during the raids reportedly outline how permissions were manipulated to facilitate the unauthorised construction.
According to the reports, the ED has indicated that it will soon summon those implicated for questioning. The ED launched its investigation by filing an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), following several FIRs registered by the Mira-Bhayandar police related to the construction of 41 illegal buildings.
