Palghar, Maharashtra: In yet another crackdown, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday launched raids at 12 locations linked to former Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) Commissioner Anil Pawar, including his residence, offices, associates, family members, and alleged benami holders.
ED Conducts Multi-City Raids
The raids were carried out in connection with a large-scale illegal construction scam involving government and private land in Vasai-Virar. According to officials, the ED is probing money laundering charges arising from the unauthorized construction of residential and commercial buildings on land reserved for public utilities.
The Case
As per the city’s sanctioned development plan, certain plots were earmarked for a sewage treatment plant and dumping ground. However, investigators found that a total of 41 illegal buildings were erected on these reserved and private lands without any legal approvals.
Developers allegedly created fake sanction documents and sold flats to unsuspecting citizens, despite knowing the constructions were unauthorised and subject to future demolition.
Fraud Allegations Against Developers
The accused builders and developers reportedly collected crores of rupees from homebuyers, luring them with misleading claims and fraudulent approvals. The investigation also points to possible collusion between the developers and municipal officials.
Court-Ordered Demolitions
Following a Bombay High Court directive, all 41 unauthorised buildings were demolished, leaving nearly 2,500 families homeless.
ED’s Focus
The ED is investigating how such a large-scale violation occurred under municipal watch, and is examining the roles of officials involved, the financial transactions between developers and civic authorities, and potential laundering of the proceeds from the illegal sales.
Sources confirmed that raids were conducted in Vasai, Nashik, and Pune, targeting assets linked to Anil Pawar and his close associates.
This high-profile operation marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to clamp down on corruption and unauthorised urban development in Maharashtra.
