ED questions former VVCMC commissioner Anil Pawar and wife Bharti for 10 hours in illegal construction money laundering case | File Photo
Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday questioned former Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) commissioner Anil Pawar and his wife Bharti Pawar for over 10 hours in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation related to illegal land development and unauthorised construction on public land. They have been summoned again Tuesday for further questioning.
Probe Focuses on Bribes for Illegal Construction in Vasai-Virar
The probe, initiated under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), centers on alleged large-scale illegal constructions carried out on civic land earmarked for sewage treatment plants and dumping grounds in the Vasai-Virar region.
Pawar Allegedly Took ₹20–₹25 Per Sq Ft as Bribe
According to ED officials, Pawar, an IAS officer, is being questioned over allegations that he accepted bribes ranging between Rs 20 and Rs 25 per sq ft, calculated on the total built-up area of multiple projects, in return for granting approvals and facilitating illegal construction. Investigators suspect that Pawar played a central role in enabling systematic violations of municipal regulations in collusion with politically connected developers,lisoners and senior civic officials.
Rs 1.33 Crore Seized From Nephew’s Residence in Nashik
According to sources, Pawar had earlier skipped the first summons requested additional time from the ED before appearing in response to a summons issued on July 31, stating that he needed to gather documents related to his properties and financial transactions. These documents are linked to the ED’s search operations conducted on July 29 at 12 locations associated with Pawar, his family members, and close associates. During the searches, Rs 1.33 crore in unaccounted cash was recovered from the residence of Pawar’s nephew, Janardan Pawar, in Nashik. In addition, several documents related to property and financial transactions, incriminating papers, and digital devices were seized.
On August 1, the ED issued a second summons to both Anil and his wife Bharti Pawar, directing them to appear before the agency by Monday to record their statements and submit documents relevant to the investigation.
ED officials are questioning Pawar regarding the source of Rs 1.33 crore in unaccounted cash recovered last week during a search at the Nashik residence of his nephew Janardan. According to sources, his statement has been recorded and preliminary findings by the agency suggest that the seized cash is linked to the former civic chief.
The agency is also examining documents and digital evidence seized during coordinated search operations conducted on July 29 at 12 locations associated with Pawar, his relatives, and close aides. Officials said the materials are being scrutinised for evidence of illicit property holdings and financial links to a suspected cartel involved in unauthorised land development in the Vasai-Virar region.
Shell Companies Suspected of Laundering Bribe Money
In addition, the ED is investigating a number of shell companies allegedly operated by Pawar’s relatives and associates. These firms reportedly engaged in construction-related activities such as residential redevelopment and warehouse projects are suspected of being used as conduits for laundering bribe money. Investigators believe Anil Pawar, floated these entities in the names of family members, relatives, and benamidars during his tenure as VVCMC Commissioner.
According to officials, several of these companies were active in real estate ventures, including redevelopment of existing housing and commercial warehouse construction, and appear to have played a central role in the movement of funds linked to the alleged corruption.
Wife, Daughters Under Financial Scrutiny
Bharti Pawar, the wife of Anil Pawar, also recorded her statement for over 10 hours on Monday as part of the agency’s broader investigation into financial transactions and properties suspected to be linked to the alleged proceeds of crime. Officials are examining whether any assets or entities are held in her name or under her control, which are currently under scrutiny. Sources said that the ED has also summoned the Pawars’ daughters for questioning later this week.
