Palghar, Maharashtra: In a major operation on Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided 12 locations linked to former Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) Commissioner Anil Kumar Pawar, recovering ₹1.32 crore in cash and several key documents related to property transactions and construction approvals. The raids were conducted across Vasai, Pune, Thane, and Nashik in connection with an ongoing probe into unauthorised residential and commercial constructions in the Vasai-Virar region.
Commissioner Refused to Open the Door
The ED team faced an unusual delay when they reached Pawar’s official residence in Vasai. Officials had to wait outside for nearly 25 minutes as the former commissioner allegedly refused to open the gate. Eventually, with the assistance of local police, the team entered the premises.
ED officials suspect that during this delay, electronic devices may have been tampered with and sensitive data could have been deleted.
12 Simultaneous Raids Across Maharashtra
The enforcement agency simultaneously searched multiple locations on Tuesday, including properties in Pune, Thane, and Nashik, apart from Vasai. The raids are part of an ongoing investigation into a multi-crore scam involving illegal construction permits and building approvals issued during Pawar’s tenure as VVMC Commissioner.
A total of ₹1.33 crore in unaccounted cash and several critical property-related documents were seized during the operation.
Controversy After Transfer: Suspicious Approvals Under Scrutiny
Anil Kumar Pawar was transferred to the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (Thane) on July 17. However, sources claim he continued to operate from VVMC for 8–10 days post-transfer, during which he held multiple undisclosed meetings with builders and architects.
During this period, he reportedly signed off on several building permits and construction files, raising suspicions of irregularities and large-scale monetary transactions.
Political Parties Demand Action
In the wake of the revelations, opposition parties have demanded strict action. Congress leader Nilesh Pendhari and Sudesh Chaudhary, Vasai Taluka head of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, have jointly called for the cancellation of all construction approvals and permits issued by Pawar after his official transfer.
They allege that these post-transfer approvals may have been used to facilitate illegal dealings worth crores and have urged the state government to investigate and freeze such files immediately.
ED Continues Investigation
The ED is expected to summon more individuals linked to the case as the investigation progresses. The financial trail, electronic data, and seized documents are being closely examined to establish links between developers, officials, and unauthorised construction activity in the region.
The unfolding case highlights growing concerns over administrative corruption and the urgent need for tighter scrutiny in urban development authorities.
