Mumbai: Wednesday saw a flurry of activity as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a series of raids across Maharashtra, targeting alleged financial irregularities. The probe appears to be multifaceted, encompassing both the gold trade and accusations of land grabbing.
In West Vidarbha, the ED’s focus was squarely on gold and silver shops in Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal, and Paratwada. Sources confirm that raids are ongoing at more than eight jewellery establishments in Amravati alone, suggesting a major operation targeting alleged financial improprieties within the sector. This marks the latest in a string of actions the Income Tax Department has taken against these establishments, prompting speculation about the scale and nature of the suspected illegalities.
Simultaneously, the ED’s attention shifted to Vasai Virar, where a significant land-grabbing case has embroiled former Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVP) councillor Sitaram Gupta. The focus is on 41 illegal buildings constructed on land allegedly belonging to the government, leading to the demolition of the structures and displacing over 2,500 residents.
Gupta is accused of illicitly developing these plots between survey numbers 22 and 30 in Agrawal and Vasant Nagri, violating zoning regulations. The ED is pursuing Gupta for alleged money laundering. Raids on Gupta’s residences and 13 other locations in the Vasai Virar area underscore the severity of the charges.
Beyond Gupta’s case, another case is building tension, relating to a land reserved for public use, allegedly encroached upon for an eight-story building near the land given to the successors of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Despite numerous complaints filed as early as 2023, the building remains standing, prompting a significant outcry from the local community and action by the Republican Army. The city authorities are under pressure to act, with demolition of this structure now slated for May 20th.
