Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 14 (ANI): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested four individuals, including senior civic officials and builders, in connection with an illegal construction case linked to the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVCMC).

The arrested accused are Anil Powar, IAS, former Municipal Commissioner of VVCMC; Sitaram Gupta, builder and corporator from the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi; Arun Gupta, builder; and YS Reddy, suspended Deputy Town Planner of VVCMC. All were taken into custody on August 13 under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Also Read | Who Is Sandeepa Virk? All About Influencer and Entrepreneur With 1.2 Million Instagram Followers Arrested by ED in INR 40 Crore Money Laundering Case.

ED officials told the ANI that the investigation revealed that certain builders had constructed illegal buildings and sold them to unsuspecting buyers. Following a Supreme Court order, these illegal structures were demolished, leaving many homebuyers homeless.

During the probe, ED conducted search operations at multiple locations, seizing large amounts of cash, jewellery, and incriminating electronic evidence. Officials cited WhatsApp chats between the suspended Deputy Town Planner and the former Municipal Commissioner, allegedly indicating the existence of an organised cartel to collect bribes on a per-square-foot basis in exchange for project approvals.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Likely To Visit West Bengal on August 22 for Inauguration of 3 New Metro Routes.

The accused will be produced before a special PMLA court in Mumbai, where the agency will seek their custody for further investigation. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)