Raids on Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Waikar over Rs 500-crore scam

In 2019, MLA Waikar allegedly concealed an agreement to build a 14-story hotel, potentially violating regulations. File Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting raids at seven locations linked to Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Ravindra Waikar. The searches include the residence of Waikar's wife and locations connected to his business partners Aasoo Nehlanai, Raj Lalchandani, Prithpal Bindra, and architect Arun Dubey.

The raids are part of an investigation into an alleged Rs 500-crore plot scam, wherein Waikar is accused of deceiving the BMC by securing permission to construct a five-star hotel on a plot designated for BMC playgrounds and gardens, exploiting his political connections for approval and causing substantial losses to the civic body.

The case was originally filed by the Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW), and subsequently, the ED initiated a probe into money laundering by registering an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). The authorities are intensifying their efforts to unravel the complexities surrounding the alleged scam involving Waikar.

As per the FIR filed by the EOW, Waikar and associates acquired 8,000 square metres of land on Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road in 2004 from the Kamal Amrohi family. The land, originally reserved for public use and gardens, was subject to a tri-party agreement. This agreement outlined the development of 67 per cent for entertainment and public grounds, with the remaining 33 per cent designated for sports.

Allegedly, in 2019, during the Maha Vikas Aghadi government's term, Waikar misused his political influence, concealing the 2004 agreement to obtain BMC permission for a 14-story five-star hotel on 30 per cent of the land meant for public use, potentially violating regulations.

The property at Vyarvali village, Jogeshwari JVLR, owned by Waikar and other accused individuals, is valued at an estimated Rs 500 crore. The ED alleges that between 2004 and 2019, Waikar and associates exploited their political influence, profiting from the potentially unlawful acquisition of land owned by the civic body for personal gain. They utilised a 33 per cent land parcel, initially designated for public badminton and gaming activities, to construct a banquet hall instead. Concurrently, the remaining 67 per cent was transformed into a banquet lawn, yielding significant financial gains from weddings and events.

8,000 SQ M
Area of land acquired by Waikar and associates