ED registers money laundering case against Shiv Sena MLA Ravindra Waikar

An ED source confirmed that around a week ago, an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) was registered against Waikar and several others and the suspects may be called for questioning soon.

The central agency will look into the money laundering aspect while the police is looking into the criminal aspect of the case.

In September, Waikar and other accused were booked by EOW for criminal breach of trust, cheating, dishonestly inducing delivery of property and criminal conspiracy.

Last week, Waikar was questioned by the EOW officers. His wife too has been summoned by the police.

The FIR was registered after BMC sub-engineer Santosh Mandavkar filed a complaint at the Azad Maidan police station. Later, the investigation was forwarded to the EOW.

As per the EOW’s FIR, Waikar had entered into a contract with the BMC after getting permission to run a sports facility at the plot in Jogeshwari. The permission was granted when the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government was in power.  However, earlier this year, a notice was issued to him for using the plot of land, which was reserved for a public garden, to construct a hotel.

Apart from Waikar, the others booked in the case were his wife Manisha Waikar, business partners Aasoo Nehlanai, Raj Lalchandani and late Prithpalsingh Bindra, and architect Arun Dubey.

A police officer said so far, no arrests have been made in the case. Waikar was previously questioned by the EOW in August.

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had alleged that Waikar was involved in a Rs 500 crore scam. Waikar had earlier said he submitted all the evidence with the EOW, which will prove BJP’s allegations against him are false.

“My statement has been recorded and I have submitted details that will prove that I have followed all rules and laws in the said project,” Waikar said in August.