Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted search operations at 16 locations within the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) limits, targeting a syndicate behind the unauthorised construction of 41 illegal residential-cum-commercial buildings.

The buildings erected on nearly 60 acres of civic land originally reserved for sewage treatment and dumping grounds were allegedly approved through forged documents and fraudulent civic permissions. According to ED officials, the syndicate behind the scam sold these properties to unsuspecting buyers, primarily from economically weaker sections, in areas such as Agrawal Nagar and Nalasopara (East).

Searches were carried out at the residential and official premises of architects, allegedly responsible for designing the illegal buildings, along with liaison agents, and VVMC insiders accused of playing key roles in legitimising the illegal structures. Investigators believe the scam was enabled by a deep-rooted nexus between builders, civic officials, and intermediaries.

The buildings, constructed between 2010 and 2012 in blatant violation of zoning laws, were demolished in December 2024 following a Bombay High Court order.

2nd Round Of Action In The Case

In the first round conducted in May, the ED raided premises linked to builders and official premises of the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC). Among those identified by the agency as alleged key conspirators were Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) corporator Sitaram Gupta, his brother Arun Gupta, their relative Anil Gupta, and other associates.

During the searches, ED officials seized Rs 45 lakh in unaccounted cash hidden inside a concealed cupboard.Additionally, the agency had recovered RS 8.6 crore in cash and diamond-studded jewellery and bullion worth Rs23.2 crore from the residence of VVMC Deputy Director of Town Planning, Yumiganu Shiva Reddy.