Raids In Maharashtra Linked To Vasai-Virar Illegal Construction Scam
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday launched a fresh round of raids in Maharashtra as part of its money-laundering investigation into an illegal construction scam, with a focus on former Vasai-Virar Municipal Commissioner Anil Pawar. His residence and office premises were among the 12 locations searched across Vasai, Virar, Nashik and Mumbai. The searches come just a day after Mr Pawar's official farewell following his transfer, intensifying suspicions about his alleged role in facilitating unauthorised building approvals during his tenure.
The ED probe revolves around the construction of 41 illegal buildings on approximately 60 acres of land earmarked for a sewage treatment plant and dumping ground under the Vasai-Virar civic development plan. Probe agency alleges that several civic officials, in collusion with local builders, approved forged documents and fake sale agreements to enable these constructions. The buildings were sold primarily to lower-income buyers, many of whom were unaware of the legal violations.
Earlier phases of the ED operation, conducted in May and July, uncovered widespread corruption involving town planning officials and political figures. Among those raided were YS Reddy, former Deputy Director of Town Planning, from whose Hyderabad residence ED recovered Rs 8.6 crore in cash and Rs 23 crore worth of jewellery and bullion. The agency also froze financial assets worth Rs 12 crore.
Other individuals under scrutiny include Sitaram Gupta, an ex-corporator, from whose home Rs 45 lakh in cash was recovered hidden behind a plywood panel, and Vijay Tambat, allegedly connected to criminal networks. All 41 buildings were demolished earlier this year by court order, displacing around 2,500 families. The Bombay High Court and Supreme Court had mandated government-led rehabilitation efforts.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
14 minutes ago
- India.com
Delhi Police Arrest Two Foreign Nationals For Alleged Drug Peddling
The Delhi Police Anti-Narcotics Squad has arrested two foreign nationals for allegedly peddling drugs in the national capital. The accused, identified as Bernadin (39) and Ezekile (33), were apprehended during a raid in Gali No. 13, Govindpuri, on July 31, said the police. A significant quantity of narcotics was recovered from their possession, including 36.64 grams of cocaine, 61.16 grams of MD (Mephedrone), eight mobile phones, a weighing machine, drug-packing pouches, and Rs 10,600 in cash. Police have registered a case under Section 21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and Section 14 of the Foreigners Act at Govindpuri Police Station. During interrogation, the accused confessed to overstaying in India and being unemployed. To sustain themselves, they allegedly turned to drug peddling, said the police. Further investigations are underway. Meanwhile, Delhi Police (West District) initiated a campaign across all fronts to check crime and nuisance in the area. A multifaceted approach was adopted to tackle street crime, organised crime, and rein in mischief mongers, according to an official statement by Delhi Police. The release said that more than 650 persons involved in street crime were arrested in the month of July 2025, which includes 24 robbers, 28 snatchers, 21 burglars and 75 thieves. More than 55 cases of the Arms Act, the Excise Act, the Gambling Act and the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act were registered in the month of July alone. Delhi police said, "Action against street criminals: With the arrest of 24 robbers, a total of 14 cases were worked out, along with the recovery of Rs. 46440/- cash and one mobile phone. Out of the 24 arrested robbers, nine are repeat offenders. With the arrest of 28 snatchers, a total of 20 cases were resolved. Out of the 28 arrested snatchers, 16 are repeat offenders."
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Gangster Arsh Dala's father, 3 others acquitted in Bathinda bizman murder case
Bathinda : Four persons, including foreign-based gangster Arsh Dala's father Charanjit Singh , were acquitted in a murder case in Bathinda. The accused were acquitted due to lack of evidence after the witnesses turned hostile and doubts arose over the recovered weapons. Bathinda Mall Road Shopkeepers' Association president and owner of Harman Amritsar Kulcha, Harjinder Singh, also known as Mela, was killed outside his shop in Bathinda on Oct 28, 2023. Angry over the killing of a shopkeeper in a broad daylight, the traders protested by closing their business establishments and blocking the main road in the town by placing the body. Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and slain rapper Sidhu Moosewala's father, Balkaur Singh, were present. Given the enormity of the situation, the district police announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh for information about the accused by releasing their sketches. Defence counsel Harpal Singh Khaara said that a challan was presented against four accused — Arsh Dala's father Charanjit Singh, Paramjit Singh alias Pamma, Kamaljit Singh alias Komaljit Singh and Lovely Singh alias Lavi Singh. As per the judgment by the court of special court/additional sessions judge Rajesh Kumar, on the overall appraisal of the evidence on record, the prosecution was not able to prove its case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt. The material witnesses, complainant Aarti Johal, wife of Harjinder Singh; Jagmail Singh, manager at Harman Kulcha; and Vikram Singh, cook at Harman Kulcha, did not support the case of the prosecution. The remaining witnesses proved the formal investigation proceedings. There was no other independent evidence to prove the allegations leveled in the FIR. There was no substantive evidence on record to prove the charges framed against the accused. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
New Indian Express
44 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Kerala duo found carrying Rs 26.4 lakh in cash without valid documents; I-T to probe matter
COIMBATORE: Income Tax Department officials inquired two Kerala natives who were found in possession of Rs 26.40 lakh cash and gold plated bangles without any valid documents at Ettimadai near here on Saturday. The duo has been identified as Abdul Hakkim (49) and Abdul Rahman (38), both hailing from Thrissur district. The duo were heading to a jewelry shop in Thrissur from Coimbatore on a two-wheeler when they were caught at a police checkpost near Ellaimakaliamman temple in Ettimadai on the Salem-Palakkad national highway at around 7 am. A team led by KG Chavadi Police station Sub Inspector Karthikeyan carried out a check following a tip-off and caught them. SP K Karthikeyan also visited the spot and interrogated the duo. The two claimed that they have valid documents and are going to purchase jewels in Thrissur. After investigation, police handed over them to the income tax department for further inquiry. IT officials are also probing whether the cash comes from Hawala sources. Sources said that IT officials are investigating with them about the source of money and when they have withdrawn from the bank, among other questions.
