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Crime

ED Maintains Pawar Arrest Lawful And Necessary In Money Laundering Probe, Cites Evidence Tampering, Multi-Crore Bribery and Shielding Of Accused Builders

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has come out strongly against criticism of its move to arrest former Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) Commissioner Anil Kumar Khanderao Pawar, insisting the action is not only lawful and legal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) but also absolutely necessary to ensure the integrity of the probe.

The agency alleged  that Pawar played a central role in a bribery and laundering racket running into hundreds of crores and this is backed by builder testimonies, WhatsApp chats, and cash trail analysis.

 According to ED’s findings, Pawar’s name prominently surfaced during the investigation into 41 illegal buildings constructed over nearly 60 acres of government and private land.Statements from builders allege that senior civic officials, including Pawar, allegedly accepted substantial bribes to “turn a blind eye” to rampant encroachments and unauthorized developments. 

The ED has pointed out that Pawar, during his tenure as head of VVCMC’s demolition department,failed to act against illegal constructions despite multiple complaints and even a civil writ petition (CWP) pending before court. Demolitions of 41 unauthorised buildings were carried out only after the direct intervention of the Bombay High Court. According to the agency, this exposes Pawar’s role in shielding builders in exchange for bribes, and “it is incorrect to suggest that he did not receive money from the proceeds of crime.” 

Further scrutiny of WhatsApp chats and financial records revealed that Pawar allegedly received over Rs 17.75 crore from senior VVCMC officer Y.S. Reddy through cash deliveries routed via angadias. At least Rs 3.37 crore was reportedly handed over at a Dadar office to one of Pawar’s relatives. Linking the payments to the sanctioning of multiple construction projects, the ED has estimated the total bribe amount to run into several crores.

The agency says, was a clear attempt to tamper with evidence.On July 29, 2025, ED officers conducted a search at Pawar’s residence.The ED has accused Anil Pawar of actively obstructing investigators during a search operation at his residence on July 29, 2025. The search team, arriving at 6:15 a.m., repeatedly rang the bell for over two hours, but the door was never opened. Both Pawar and his wife allegedly ignored calls, disconnected lines, and even switched off their phones while the ED was outside.

It was only at 8:35 a.m., with the assistance of local police and a locksmith, that the ED team finally managed to gain entry. By then, investigators found that  Pawar had deleted WhatsApp chats and call logs from his mobile phone while officers were waiting outside. Officials say this proves that Pawar was not only aware of the raid but used the delay to tamper with evidence crucial to the money laundering probe. 

“The deletion of call records and WhatsApp data shows deliberate intent to destroy incriminating material. His custodial arrest became inevitable to prevent further obstruction of justice,” an ED official said.

According to ED sources, Pawar’s arrest was “not just legal but unavoidable.” As VVCMC Commissioner until July this year, he wielded enormous administrative authority, influence, and access to confidential files far beyond public reach. Officials said this power created a “grave and reasonable apprehension” that Pawar could misuse his position to influence or intimidate witnesses, including builders, architects, liaison agents, and VVCMC officials, or tamper with vital evidence. Allowing him to remain outside custody could have derailed the probe, enabling him to shield co-accused and beneficiaries while frustrating efforts to trace the full scale of the corruption network.   

According to ED sources  the scale of corruption, running into hundreds of crores in bribes and with possible chances of cross-border fund flows, demands custodial interrogation. Such proceeds of crime may have cross-border implications, potentially leading to the use of laundered money not only in India but also abroad.

According to ED sources Testimonies from builders, architects, and liaison agents suggest that Pawar allegedly collected commissions ranging from Rs 20–25 per sq. ft. of the built-up area as bribe for every project approval,with rates going up to Rs 50 per sq. ft. depending on project complexity and the builder’s financial muscle.This systematic extortion, corroborated by multiple builders, architects, civic officers and liaison agents, ensured that no residential, commercial or mixed-use project in Vasai-Virar could move forward without Pawar’s cut.

In a statement recorded under Section 50 of the PMLA on August 7, 2025, senior VVCMC officer and accused Y.S. Reddy detailed the bribe distribution system allegedly orchestrated by Pawar. According to him, “Municipal Commissioner Anil Pawar would take Rs 20–25 per sq. ft. The Deputy Director of Town Planning (DDTP) received Rs 10 per sq. ft., while Rs4 per sq. ft. went to the Assistant Director of Town Planning (ADTP) / Town Planner, and Rs1 per sq. ft. to the Junior Engineer. For plots above 2,000 sq. m, the file was handled by the ADTP; proposals below 2,000 sq. m were dealt with by the Town Planner.”

The statement establishes that Pawar was not acting in isolation but ran a well-oiled extortion network inside the civic body, ensuring kickbacks trickled down from commissioner to junior engineers.Sources from ED said that this structured bribe chain, corroborated by builders, architects, and liaison agents, confirms the systematic laundering of “commission money” into proceeds of crime, making custodial interrogation under PMLA unavoidable.

Crime

Operation VISTA 1.0: Delhi Police arrest seven Bangladeshi nationals for violating visa conditions

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New Delhi, Aug 11: In a major crackdown on foreign nationals violating immigration norms, the Anti-Auto Theft Squad (AATS) of Delhi Police’s Central District successfully carried out “Operation VISTA 1.0” (Visa Status Verification), leading to the apprehension of seven Bangladeshi nationals for violating the conditions of their visas and overstaying in India beyond the permissible period.

The operation was launched as part of an ongoing drive to identify foreign nationals residing illegally in the national capital by overstaying or breaching visa regulations. During the special verification campaign, police teams conducted extensive checks at hotels, guest houses, and other establishments accommodating foreign nationals across the Central District.

According to Delhi Police, the operation gained momentum when a police team patrolling the Nabi Karim area received specific information from a reliable source that several Bangladeshi nationals whose visas had expired were residing illegally there. Acting on the information, the police apprehended one individual, identified as MD Nazrul Islam Foisal, a resident of Noakhali district in Bangladesh.

During questioning, Foisal disclosed that he was a Bangladeshi national residing in the Nabi Karim area. He produced his Bangladeshi passport, which was verified on the spot. Police found that his passport had been issued on February 8, and that his authorised stay in India was valid only until August 7. However, he was found residing in the country beyond the permitted period without obtaining any extension or authorisation from the competent authorities.

During sustained interrogation, Foisal revealed that several other Bangladeshi nationals were also living in Delhi after violating the conditions of their visas. The information was immediately shared with Inspector Sandeep Dabas, In-Charge of AATS, Central District, who directed the formation of a dedicated team to verify the information and take necessary action.

Based on the disclosure, police teams conducted raids at multiple locations in Delhi, including Madanpur Khaddar and Janta Flats in Sarita Vihar. During the raids, six more Bangladeshi nationals were located and apprehended. Their passports, visas and travel documents were thoroughly examined.

Verification of their immigration records revealed that all seven individuals had entered India legally on Double Entry Visas. Under the conditions of these visas, each visitor was permitted to stay in India for a maximum of 15 days per visit. However, despite the validity of their visas, all seven had exceeded the permissible duration of stay without obtaining any extension or authorisation from the authorities.

Police said the violation constituted a breach of visa conditions and attracted legal action under the applicable provisions governing the stay of foreign nationals in India.

Following verification, all seven Bangladeshi nationals were produced before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which initiated legal proceedings against them. The FRRO subsequently issued Restriction Orders directing that the individuals be detained pending deportation proceedings.

The seven apprehended individuals have been identified as MD Nazrul Islam Foisal, 26, Mohammad Amjad Hossen, 26, Moinul Hossain, 24, Alamin, 25, MD Kawasae Ali, 25, Amran Hossain, 29, and Afranul Haque Bhuyan Sami, 23, all residents of different districts of Bangladesh.

During interrogation, the accused admitted that they had entered India on valid Double Entry Visas and were residing in various parts of Central and South Delhi. Detailed scrutiny of their travel documents established that although their visas remained valid, they had violated the mandatory condition restricting each stay to a maximum of 15 days.

Police officials said all facts were cross-verified with immigration records before legal action was initiated. The authorities emphasised that the action was taken strictly in accordance with immigration laws and established procedures.

As part of the proceedings, police seized and verified seven Bangladeshi passports, seven Indian Double Entry Visas and seven mobile phones. These documents have been taken into possession for verification and further legal action.

The apprehended individuals have been shifted to the Detention Centre at Sewa Dham, Shahzada Bagh, Sarai Rohilla, where they will remain until the completion of deportation formalities.

Police further stated that no previous criminal involvement of any of the seven Bangladeshi nationals has come to light during verification. The present action pertains solely to violations of visa conditions arising from overstaying beyond the permissible period prescribed under their visas.

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Crime

Darshan fan murder case: K’taka cops trace two industrialists, woman after threats to witness

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Bengaluru : Police investigating the alleged kidnapping and life threats issued to Sandeep, a witness in the Renukaswamy murder case, have reportedly traced two industrialists who allegedly played a key role in threatening him.

The two have been identified as Kiran and Gaurav Shetty, police said on Tuesday. Investigators are also examining the role of an influential woman in the case.

According to police sources, forensic analysis of call records has revealed that Kiran and Gaurav Shetty were on a conference call when Sandeep was allegedly threatened. Investigators suspect that the duo used accused Puneeth to intimidate and blackmail Sandeep.

Sandeep, a bar cashier and the 49th witness in the fan murder case, had allegedly been forcibly taken in a car and threatened with dire consequences. Kamakshipalya police subsequently registered a case and began investigating the incident.

Police had earlier arrested three accused persons — Puneeth, Suhas and Venu — in connection with the case. During the investigation, police seized Puneeth’s mobile phone and retrieved his WhatsApp data. The data was subsequently sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis.

The FSL findings reportedly helped investigators establish the communication between the accused and the two industrialists. Police suspect that Kiran and Gaurav were in a conference call with Puneeth at the time Sandeep was allegedly threatened.

Investigators are also examining the role of an influential woman in the case. According to police sources, the woman allegedly contacted Puneeth before Kiran and Gaurav Shetty approached him and asked him to carry out whatever instructions were given by the two industrialists.

Police suspect that the threats to Sandeep were part of an attempt to intimidate him and prevent him from providing information or testimony in the murder case.

The investigation gained momentum after police recovered and analysed digital evidence from Puneeth’s mobile phone. The WhatsApp data and other forensic evidence reportedly helped investigators establish the alleged roles of the accused and their communication with others involved in the case.

Police are now awaiting further technical and forensic reports before deciding on the next course of action against those suspected of involvement.

Sandeep is listed as the 49th witness in the Renukaswamy murder case.

The latest developments have added another layer to the investigation, with police examining whether the alleged threats were intended to influence or intimidate witnesses connected to the case.

The Renukaswamy murder case relates to the alleged abduction and murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan from Chitradurga. Darshan, Pavithra Gowda and 15 others have been arrested and charge-sheeted in connection with the case.

According to the prosecution, Renukaswamy was allegedly abducted and brought to Bengaluru in June 2024. Investigators have alleged that he was assaulted at a shed before succumbing to his injuries. His body was later allegedly dumped near a stormwater drain on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

The case is currently being tried before the Bengaluru Sessions Court. The Supreme Court had earlier cancelled Darshan’s bail and directed his immediate re-arrest, while also ordering that he should not be given VIP treatment in prison.

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Crime

Delhi Crime Branch arrest forgery accused with Rs 50,000 reward on head, absconding for 12 years

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New Delhi, Aug 10: In a significant breakthrough, the Central Range of Delhi Police Crime Branch on Monday arrested a proclaimed offender carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 who had been evading arrest for more than 12 years in a sensitive forgery case, involving fake letterheads of prominent political offices and government authorities.

The accused, identified as Manoharan Kandhasamy, was wanted in connection with FIR No. 33/2008 registered under Sections 465 and 468 of the Indian Penal Code at Mandir Marg Police Station, New Delhi.

According to Delhi Police, the arrest concludes a long and challenging manhunt against the accused, who had allegedly misused the judicial process by jumping bail and remaining untraceable for years.

The case has its origins in FIR No. 384/2007 under Section 380 IPC, registered at Mandir Marg Police Station on the complaint of Vijay Kumar, a resident of Hyderabad. Kumar reported that while staying at a Dharamshala in Delhi, he had kept gold ornaments and other valuables inside an almirah in his room. Upon returning, he found the almirah lock broken and the valuables missing.

During the investigation, police apprehended Manoharan Kandhasamy, who originally hailed from Karnataka. Although the stolen property could not be recovered from his possession, a search conducted during the investigation led to the recovery of several printed and blank letterheads purportedly issued by eminent political offices and government authorities.

Given the seriousness of the matter and its wider implications, both cases were later transferred to the Crime Branch for further investigation.

During the course of the investigation in the forgery case, Kandhasamy was arrested and sent to judicial custody. However, after spending about a month in custody, he was granted bail by the court. Police said that after securing bail, he deliberately failed to appear before the court and absconded, thereby obstructing the judicial process.

In 2014, the Court of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate at Patiala House Courts, New Delhi, declared him a Proclaimed Offender. Despite extensive efforts by investigators, the accused remained untraceable for several years, leading authorities to announce a reward of Rs 50,000 for information leading to his arrest.

After more than a month of sustained technical surveillance and verification, the team identified a mobile number allegedly being used by the accused in Tamil Nadu. Acting on this lead, police initiated continuous surveillance and field inquiries in the state.

The operation ultimately led investigators to Tiruchengode in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu. On August 4, the accused was traced to a godown on the outskirts of the town, where he was reportedly engaged in the poultry business. He was subsequently arrested by the Crime Branch team.

During interrogation, Kandhasamy admitted that after being released on bail, he intentionally absconded due to fears of being sent back to jail and facing conviction in the case. He told investigators that he severed ties with former associates, changed his place of residence, and relocated to Tamil Nadu to avoid arrest.

Police said he had settled there with his family, established a livelihood, and continuously concealed his identity and whereabouts from law enforcement agencies.

Manoharan Kandhasamy, approximately 62 years old, originally belongs to Mangaluru in Karnataka. He has been residing with his family in Tiruchengode, Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, for several years. Married and a father of two children, he is engaged in the poultry business and operates a poultry farm that serves as the primary source of income for his family.

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