Bureaucrat arrested by ED for alleged money laundering linked to 41 illegal buildings in Maharashtra

Mumbai: In a major swoop, the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday arrested bureaucrat Anil Pawar, a former Municipal Commissioner of Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) in connection with a case of alleged money laundering linked to 41 illegal buildings.

Last week, the ED raided the residence of Pawar.

Besides Pawar, others who were arrested include suspended Deputy Director of Town Planning YS Reddy, former Corporator Sitaram Gupta and Arun Gupta.

The ED has conducted raids in connection with construction of 41 buildings in Achole in Vasai on a land parcel reserved for the dumping ground.

These buildings were demolished a few months ago.

The ED’s probe centers on a well-organised network allegedly involving politicians, builders, corrupt VVMC officials, liaison agents, local enforcers, and document forgers.

Pawar is related to a senior Shiv Sena leader and minister.