ED investigation revealed that an organized cartel of VVCMC officer’s viz. Commissioner, Deputy Director Town Planner, Junior Engineers, Architects, CAs and Liasoners are operating in collusion with each other in multiple departments of VVCMC.
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, October 14, 2025: Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Mumbai Zonal Office has provisionally attached immovable properties worth Rs. 71 Crore belonging to accused namely Anil Pawar, Sitaram Gupta and others under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, as per a press release issued by the ED today.
ED initiated investigation on the basis of multiple FIRs registered by Mira Bhayandar Police Commissionerate against builders, local henchmen and others. The case pertains to “illegal construction of residential cum commercial buildings on government and private land” under jurisdiction of “Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC)” since 2009.
Over a period of time, 41 illegal buildings were constructed on the land reserved for “Sewage Treatment Plant” and “Dumping Ground” as per the approved development plan of Vasai Virar City. The Hon’ble Bombay HC vide its order dated 08.07.2024 ordered the demolition of all 41 buildings. Thereafter, an SLP was filed before the Hon’ble Supreme Court by the families residing in 41 illegal buildings which was dismissed. The demolition of all 41 buildings was completed by VVCMC on 20.02.2025.
ED investigation revealed that an organized cartel of VVCMC officer’s viz. Commissioner, Deputy Director Town Planner, Junior Engineers, Architects, CAs and Liasoners are operating in collusion with each other in multiple departments of VVCMC. In the Department responsible for taking action against illegal construction, Anil Pawar organized a cartel to extract bribe for giving protection to already constructed illegal building and turning blind eye to the ongoing unauthorized constructions. This cartel is responsible for large scale illegal construction in the Jurisdiction of VVCMC.
PMLA investigation revealed that fixed commission rate of Rs. 150 per square foot was imposed on illegal construction projects, of which Rs. 50 per square foot of builtup area was directly received by Pawar as his share. Pawar also took bribe to give protection to these 41 illegal unauthorized buildings at the same rate. Further in the Town Planning Department, PMLA investigation revealed that, after joining of Anil Pawar as Commissioner of VVCMC, he fixed the commission amount/bribe at the rate of Rs. 20-25 per sq ft and Rs. 62 per sq ft to give various types of development approvals in Urban Zone and Green Zone respectively.
ED investigation revealed that through these modus, Anil Pawar earned Proceeds of Crime (POC) to the tune of Rs. 169 Crore. Consequently, Anil Pawar, IAS, Ex Commissioner was arrested on 13.07.2025 along with 3 others. All are presently in judicial custody. A Prosecution Complaint in this case has been filed on 10.10.2025. Cognizance of the same is yet to be taken by the Hon’ble Special PMLA Court. ED investigation revealed that Anil Pawar, IAS created number of entities in the name of his family members/relatives/benamidars to launder the bribe amount collected. The POC so earned has been utilized by Pawar in purchasing Gold, diamond and Pearl Jewellery and expensive sarees; investing in Warehouses, purchasing Farmhouses, investing in residential project floated in the name of Wife amongst others. Most of the POC have been infused in immovable properties by Pawar in the name of his wife, daughters and other relatives to project them as untainted properties. Total such properties to the tune of Rs. 44 Crore has been attached vide issuance of PAO. Earlier multiple Search operations were carried in the case which led to cash seizure of approx Rs. 8.94 Crore, Diamond studded Jewellery and Bullion worth Rs. 23.25 Crore and freezing of Bank Balances/ Shares/ Mutual Funds/FDs worth Rs. 13.86 Crore. Further investigation is under progress.
