New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has leveled serious accusations against IAS officer Anil Pawar, alleging he generated approximately ₹169 crore in illicit funds through bribes. These funds were reportedly used for personal enrichment, including the purchase of gold, diamond, and expensive sarees, as well as investment in a residential project registered under his wife’s name.
Pawar, who previously served as the Commissioner of Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC), was apprehended by the ED in July alongside three other individuals. This action is part of a broader money laundering investigation concerning allegations of illegal construction of residential and commercial properties on government and private land within the VVCMC jurisdiction, near Mumbai, dating back to 2009. All four accused are currently in judicial custody.
The federal probe agency has filed a chargesheet against the accused before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai. The ED claims that Pawar orchestrated a “cartel” to extort bribes, offering protection for existing illegal constructions and turning a blind eye to ongoing unauthorized developments. This alleged cartel is reportedly responsible for widespread illegal construction within the VVCMC’s operational area.
According to the ED’s investigation, a fixed commission rate of ₹150 per square foot was imposed on illegal construction projects, with Pawar allegedly receiving a direct share of ₹50 per square foot. Furthermore, upon assuming his role as VVCMC commissioner, Pawar is accused of establishing bribe rates of ₹20-25 per sq ft for urban zone projects and ₹62 per sq ft for green zone projects to grant various development approvals.
The ED further stated that Pawar established multiple entities under the names of his family members, relatives, and benamidars to launder the collected bribe money. The illicit funds were allegedly used for purchasing jewelry, luxury sarees, investing in warehouses and farmhouses, and contributing to his wife’s residential project.
The money laundering case originated from an FIR filed by the Mira Bhayandar Police Commissionerate, following a Bombay High Court order in July 2024 to demolish 41 illegal buildings. These structures were built on land designated for a sewage treatment plant and dumping ground according to the approved development plan for Vasai Virar City. The ED alleges that Pawar accepted bribes to provide protection for these illegal structures.
The agency has also issued a provisional order under the PMLA to attach assets valued at ₹71 crore. Of this amount, Pawar’s assets are estimated at ₹44 crore, with the remaining assets belonging to Sitaram Gupta and others.