ED Raids Architects, Engineers In Vasai-Virar Over Illegal Buildings Scam; 12 Locations Searched In Ongoing Probe
Palghar, Maharashtra: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has once again launched a major operation in the Vasai-Virar region, conducting raids at the residences of architects and municipal engineers. The raids, which began on Tuesday morning, are currently underway at 12 locations across Vasai, Virar, and Mumbai.
These actions are a follow-up to information gathered during the ED's investigation into 41 illegal buildings in Nalasopara and the subsequent action against Y.S. Reddy, the former Deputy Director of Town Planning at the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation.
Allegations of Financial Transactions in Gold
On Tuesday, the ED suddenly commenced fresh raids at the homes of architects and engineers associated with the Town Planning Department who are reportedly connected to this case. While the ED has yet to release official details of the ongoing operation, there are strong allegations that financial transactions for granting building permissions were facilitated through architects.
It is also being discussed that these transactions were conducted not in cash, but in gold. Following the action against Reddy, many architects had reportedly left the country, only to return recently, believing the situation had settled.
Previous Raids and Seizures
On May 14, the ED had previously raided Reddy's residence in Hyderabad, along with 13 other locations in Vasai and Virar. During those raids, the ED confiscated ₹32 crore in gold and cash from Reddy's home. Additionally, numerous documents implicating senior municipal officials in the scam were also seized. The agency has been investigating the source of Reddy's disproportionate assets, and the current raids are a direct consequence of the information uncovered during that inquiry.
The Illegal Building Scandal
The ED's investigation into this comprehensive scam began after 41 illegal buildings in Agarwal Nagar, Nalasopara East, were demolished. Former corporator Sitaram Gupta had constructed these unauthorized structures. Former corporator Dhananjay Gawde had lodged a complaint with the ED, alleging that municipal officials and then-Deputy Director of Town Planning Y.S. Reddy were responsible for the illegal constructions.
The complaint also claimed that a conspiracy was hatched to render residents homeless, demanding an inquiry into the matter. The ED has been investigating this case since March.