Massive Cartel Exposed: Illegal Construction Unveiled in Vasai Virar

In a major crackdown, a 'large cartel' of architects, chartered accountants, and officials from the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra has been exposed for orchestrating large-scale illegal construction activities. The Enforcement Directorate revealed that land designated for sewage treatment and waste disposal was illicitly sold to the public.

The federal agency's statement disclosed that recent searches on July 1 spanned 16 locations, as part of a money laundering investigation tied to the erection of 41 unauthorized buildings in the Vasai Virar area. The raids resulted in the freezing of bank deposits and mutual funds totaling Rs 12.71 crore, and the seizure of Rs 26 lakh in cash alongside critical documents and devices.

The origins of the money laundering case trace back to an FIR by the Mira Bhayandar Police, implicating builders and local operatives. The Bombay High Court's order in July 2024 for demolishing the constructions, supported by the Supreme Court's dismissal of subsequent appeals, underscores the scale of deception employed by the accused to mislead and defraud the public.

(With inputs from agencies.)