Former VVMC Commissioner approved 55 mn sq ft plans equivalent to 55000 flats of 1000 sq ft each: ED

The ED arrested them in its probe into the alleged illegal construction of 41 residential and commercial buildings in the Vasai-Virar region, through connivance between VVCMC officials and builders. The buildings were constructed on 60 acres of land, 30 of which was government land, reserved for a dumping ground and a sewage treatment plant, the ED has claimed. In its remand plea, the ED told court that Pawar and Reddy were ‘neck deep in corrupt practices’during the discharge of their official functions.

“Investigation has so far revealed that Accused number 4 (Pawar) during his tenure as Commissioner of VVCMC, in connivance with accused number 3 (Reddy) had granted commencement certificates for total built up area of 5,50,43,263.59 square feet in urban and green zone areas wherein bribe in the form of commission was charged at fixed rates,” the ED has alleged. The agency claimed that as the commissioner Pawar had all the departments under his control including the one responsible for prevention and demolition of unauthorised construction activities.

“Still, during his tenure, accused no 4, turned a blind eye to the unauthorised construction activity going on in the corporation area and gave protection to already constructed alleged illegal buildings in lieu of fixed rate,” the ED alleged. The agency had during the previous remand hearing told court that the ‘cartel’ was organised of VVCMC officers, junior engineers, architects, CAs and Liaisoners, and departments of the civic body took fixed bribes, calculated in terms of per square feet, with a codeword system in place.

During their ED custody from August 14 to August 20, the ED claimed that the accused were ‘extensively interrogated’ and shown incriminating documents and digital evidence seized during searches. These included WhatsApp messages and communication made by the accused and the entities involved. It also claimed that details were found of benami or secret investments of the accused. “The confrontation with these materials has not only corroborated the suspected modus operandi but also led to valuable leads, which are now being actively pursued,” the agency claimed.

The remand plea filed through its special public prosecutor Kavita Patil said that the agency is in the process of identifying other suspects and beneficiaries of the proceeds of crime. The ED sought that they be kept in judicial custody as there is an apprehension that they may influence or intimidate witnesses, or may dispose of their assets or properties involved in the case.

The ED also said that it wants to reserve its right to take further custody of the accused if required in its further probe. The accused had denied these charges with one of them claiming that the case resulted out of political vendetta. The accused were taken to Arthur Road jail.

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