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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a major investigation into 41 illegal buildings constructed on public land in Vasai, raiding 13 locations linked to the accused builders. These buildings were allegedly developed on a 60-acre plot meant for public use, with forged approval documents and fake agreements used to sell homes to unsuspecting buyers. The scam dates back to 2009 and involves a group of builders and civic officials. The Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) has already demolished 14 structures, and more action is expected as authorities uncover the full scale of the fraud.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its crackdown on illegal real estate activity in Vasai by investigating 41 unauthorized buildings developed on government land. These buildings, located on a 60-acre plot reserved for public projects under the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC), were reportedly constructed using forged permissions and fake documents. Advertisement
In a coordinated effort, the ED raided 13 premises across Vasai and Virar last week, uncovering fresh evidence about the alleged scam. The investigation began after the Mira-Bhayandar police filed multiple FIRs in 2023, following complaints of land grabbing and unauthorized construction.
According to ED sources, the scam dates back to 2009 when developers, along with their associates, allegedly created fake development permissions and sold both residential and commercial units on this land to low-income buyers. These buyers were unaware that the buildings had no legal clearance. The accused also forged fake agreements to create the illusion of authenticity.
Among the 13 premises searched was the home of a former corporator, S. Gupta, who had already been arrested last year in connection with the illegal occupation of this 60-acre plot. Properties belonging to other suspects, including a civic official and a businessman, were also raided during the latest ED action.
The Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation has since demolished 14 of the 41 structures following a Bombay High Court order. The court had observed that these buildings were constructed without valid permissions and violated the land's designated public purpose.
The ED's investigation focuses on tracing the money trail, identifying buyers, and uncovering how forged approvals were obtained and used. Officials have urged affected homebuyers to come forward with details and have warned that further demolitions and arrests are likely.
This case once again highlights the growing problem of unauthorized developments in Mumbai's outer regions, where land disputes, weak oversight, and high housing demand often lead to legal violations that put buyers at risk.
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