ED Conducts Searches Linked to Ex-VVMC Commissioner Anil Pawar in Government Land Scam Probe

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a series of searches on Tuesday at multiple locations associated with former Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) Commissioner Anil Kumar Pawar. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into a money laundering case involving the illegal construction of 41 buildings on 60 acres of government and private land that had been reserved for public utilities.

The searches came just a day after Pawar, a 2014-batch IAS officer, received a formal farewell at the VVCMC headquarters on Monday. The farewell was attended by both current and former MLAs from the Vasai-Virar region, marking an end to Pawar's tenure, during which he was recently transferred by the Maharashtra government. IAS officer M.M. Suryawanshi has taken over his responsibilities.

Officials familiar with the investigation reported that ED teams conducted searches at Pawar's residential and official premises, as well as at 12 other locations across Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik linked to his relatives, associates, and alleged benamidars (proxy owners). 

During the operations, the ED made significant findings, including the seizure of ₹1.25 crore in cash from the Nashik residence of one of Pawar's relatives. The agency also confiscated several incriminating documents and digital devices, which are currently being analyzed as part of the investigation.

This probe into alleged corruption and misuse of power highlights the ongoing efforts to tackle illegal land dealings and money laundering within the region. As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge regarding the extent of the alleged scam and the individuals involved.