Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation has revealed that YS Reddy, suspended deputy director in the town planning department of the Vasai-Virar civic body, collected bribes to the tune of Rs 51.77 crore and used the cash for a flamboyant lifestyle.

In its prosecution complaint, the central agency claimed that Reddy, in his own admission, has said that his monthly expenditure was of Rs 5 lakh, while he splurged around Rs 1 crore on festivals. This, the ED said, showed how illicit cash was used for luxury consumption.

It further claimed that Reddy routed illicit cash through friends and close family members. Vishal Damani, his close associate, handled large sums and bought expensive devices like iPhones renewed insurance with the money for Reddy, as per the probe.

Damani also delivered packages containing Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh at the behest of the accused, alleged the agency, adding that in a similar manner, Reddy’s other aides booked hotels, air tickets and spent money on legal affairs.

Damani, in his statement, said that the cash was also frequently used to supply wine and whisky to Reddy. The tainted funds were also used for buying foreign currencies as well as tickets for cricket matches and concerts for Reddy and his relatives, the ED said, quoting Damani.

The probe revealed that Reddy brazenly demanded vehicles for his sons. “This mode of integration translated illegal cash into tangible lifestyle assets while maintaining plausible deniability through third-party financing arrangements,” the ED said.

The agency claimed that large sums were also spent on renovating the household and office. To corroborate the accusation, the ED pointed out that an architect, Paramieet, renovated Reddy’s flat in Vasai. The total expenses came to Rs 45 lakh, which is disproportionate for a flat renovation, the ED argued.

Mumbai: In view of the growing demand for sand following the recent flood situation in the state, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed all Divisional Commissioners and District Collectors to complete the auction of sand ghats within the next fifteen days. The minister warned that strict action will be taken against officers who delay the process.

A review meeting on sand policy and sand ghat management was held under the chairmanship of Minister Bawankule at Mantralaya. Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge was present, while Principal Secretary of the Environment Department Jayashree Bhoj, Divisional Commissioners, and District Collectors joined the meeting via video conference.

Minister Bawankule said, “There should be no shortage of sand anywhere in the state under any circumstances. The auction process must be completed promptly to provide relief to citizens. Strict measures should be taken to prevent illegal extraction and transportation of sand. District Collectors will be held accountable if sand theft occurs in their jurisdiction.”

He further instructed that the auction process for sand ghats approved by the Environment Department should be completed immediately. The Revenue and Environment Departments should work in coordination to simplify the permission process, he added. The minister also directed officials to inspect and update the data of sand reserves across the state.

During the meeting, Minister Bawankule instructed officials to ensure that financial aid reaches flood-affected farmers before Diwali. He also directed Divisional Commissioners to submit daily reports on the assistance being provided to the farmers.

The Revenue Minister also emphasized the need for utmost caution while issuing Kunbi caste certificates. He directed officials to thoroughly verify all documents and ensure that no incorrect or fraudulent certificates are issued.

Former MP Kirit Somaiya, who was present at the meeting, pointed out cases where ineligible persons were allegedly issued birth certificates illegally. He urged that such certificates be canceled and the concerned names be removed from Aadhaar records. Minister Bawankule assured that action in this regard will be initiated immediately after Diwali.

Mumbai: The BKC police have registered a case against a proprietor for allegedly cheating a Mumbai-based diamond trader of diamonds worth Rs 66.81 lakh.

According to the FIR, Mahesh Nayani, 43, partner at Varni Star Diamond Company in BKC, handed over 240.39 carats of white round diamonds to Hundansh Jewel Company proprietor Uday Chaugule on August 13 after the latter claimed he had a customer. Both signed a receipt, and Chaugule assured that the sale would be completed within 15 days.

When Nayani followed up, Chaugule cited festival delays and later became unreachable, with his phone switched off. Following this, Nayani filed a complaint, and the police registered a case under Sections 316(5) (criminal breach of trust) and 318(4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.