MUMBAI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized assets totaling Rs 71 crore in connection with illegal constructions in Vasai-Virar, of which Rs 44 crore is linked to Anil Pawar (IAS), the former chief of Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation.
The ED had previously filed charges against Pawar, town planning deputy director Y.S. Reddy, and 16 others for their involvement in a money laundering case related to unauthorized building projects.
During the investigation, the agency attached properties belonging to the accused and builders responsible for constructing 41 illegal buildings in Vasai-Virar, which were ordered to be demolished by the High Court.
In August, the ED arrested Pawar and Reddy, along with two others; they are currently in judicial custody.
The ED recorded testimonies from multiple builders and architects who confessed to bribing Pawar, Reddy, and other officials in exchange for expedited clearance of their construction projects.
Prior to the arrests, the ED had seized Rs 8.6 crore in unaccounted cash and Rs 23.2 crore in jewelry from Reddy’s home. Additionally, approximately Rs 1.3 crore in concealed cash belonging to Pawar was discovered at a relative’s house, along with several significant property documents. The agency also found evidence indicating that a relative of Pawar received a bribe of Rs 3.4 crore, purportedly transported through an angadia.
This money laundering case stems from multiple FIRs associated with the unauthorized development of 41 residential and commercial structures on government and privately-owned land under the Vasai-Virar civic authority. The buildings were demolished following a recent court directive.
