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The Enforcement Directorate has sought the 'C' summary final report and all investigation papers from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city police in connection with the Prime Minister Awas Yojana (PMAY) housing tender case that began in 2023. The police had closed the case after finding no cognisable offence, following a supplementary statement clarifying that three bidders submitted their bids from the same IP address, which led to tender cancellation. The ED is now examining the closure report as part of its ongoing money laundering investigation, including evidence collected during earlier searches in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pune, and Akola.
The Enforcement Directorate has formally requested the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city police to provide the closure report and all related investigation documents concerning the Prime Minister Awas Yojana housing tender case that originated in 2023. This case had earlier been closed by the police after a 'C' summary final report was filed and accepted by a judicial magistrate in June 2024. The ED's request is linked to its ongoing probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Advertisement
The case started after deputy municipal commissioner Aparna Thete filed a complaint alleging cartelisation and cheating in the tender process for constructing 40,000 houses under PMAY. An FIR was registered against 19 individuals under IPC sections 420, 463, 464, 465, 467, 468, 471, 418, 417, 500, 120-B, and 34. Within two weeks, the ED launched a separate money laundering investigation based on the FIR.
During the investigation, the complainant provided a supplementary statement explaining that the issue arose because all three bidders had submitted their bids using the same IP address. Initially, this led to a suspicion of misconduct, resulting in the cancellation of the first two Letters of Award (LOA-1 and LOA-2). The statement clarified that no work orders or agreements were issued, the project did not commence, land was not transferred to developers, and no government funds were disbursed. Consequently, there was no financial loss to the beneficiaries, municipal corporation, state government, or central government.
After cancellation, a fresh tender was issued following proper procedures, and eligible bidders received work orders. The police investigation concluded that since no financial transactions occurred and the contractors did not gain any benefit, no cognisable offence was made out. Based on these findings, the 'C'summary final report was submitted and accepted, officially closing the case.
The ED's renewed interest comes as it continues its money laundering probe. In March 2023, the agency had conducted searches at six premises linked to the contractors in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pune, and Akola, collecting digital evidence, tender documents, and statements. A senior ED official stated that the agency will review the basis on which the police filed the 'C'summary to ensure its findings align with the money laundering investigation.
Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar declined to comment, while the deputy municipal commissioner said she would need to review documents before responding. The case highlights the careful scrutiny required in government tender processes and the role of multiple investigative agencies in resolving allegations involving public funds.
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