In a sweeping operation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches at 13 locations across Hyderabad and Mumbai from May 14 to 15. The agency seized assets worth a staggering Rs 32.29 crore, including Rs 9.04 crore in cash and Rs 23.25 crore in high-purity gold bullion and diamond jewellery. The raids were linked to multiple FIRs registered by Mira Bhayandar police in Mumbai involving a nexus of builders and officials accused of illegal construction and massive fraud.

According to the ED, the case revolves around unauthorized residential-cum-commercial structures developed illegally on both government and private land under the jurisdiction of the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) since 2009. The land had originally been designated for essential infrastructure like a sewage treatment plant and dumping yard. However, with the connivance of VVMC officials, including deputy director Y S Reddy and others, a total of 41 illegal buildings were constructed. These structures were built despite the full knowledge that they would eventually face demolition due to the planned development works.

The Bombay High Court had already ordered the demolition of these buildings in July 2023, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court, leading to their eventual razing on February 20, 2024. During the recent ED raids, a major portion of the assets—including Rs 8.6 crore in cash and valuables—was recovered from the premises of VVMC’s deputy director. The investigation continues to unravel the deep-rooted corruption that enabled this large-scale land scam, with several government officials and private builders now under the scanner.