Overview

• The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on May 14–15 at 13 locations in Mumbai and Hyderabad, recovering over ₹32 crore in cash, jewellery, and bullion.
• Key seizures, including ₹8.6 crore in cash and jewellery worth ₹23.25 crore, were made from the premises of Y.S. Reddy, Deputy Director of Town Planning at the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC).
• The investigation targets a syndicate accused of constructing 41 unauthorized buildings on land reserved for sewage treatment and dumping, deceiving homebuyers with forged approvals.
• The Bombay High Court ordered the demolition of these illegal structures in July 2024, with demolitions completed by February 20, 2025, following Supreme Court dismissal of appeals.
• Ongoing efforts focus on tracing financial transactions, uncovering shell companies, and summoning key suspects, including civic officials and builders involved in the racket.