Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Ravindra Waikar appears before Enforcement Directorate after third summon

Pic: PTI File

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Ravindra Waikar, who had previously skipped two summons from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case, finally appeared before the probe agency on Monday.

Waikar faced nearly 9 hours of questioning regarding his alleged involvement in Rs 500 crore plot scam. The ED had earlier summoned him to appear on January 17 and 23, but after seeking more time, he made his appearance following the third summon, vehemently refuting all allegations.

The ED had conducted searches at seven locations related to Waikar earlier this month, including his wife's residence and places associated with his business partners Aasoo Nehlanai, Raj Lalchandani, Prithpal Bindra, and architect Arun Dubey.

The investigation revolves around a purported 500 crore plot scam, wherein Waikar is accused of deceiving the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to obtain permission for constructing a five-star hotel on a plot designated for the civic body playgrounds and gardens.

He allegedly exploited his political connections for approval, causing substantial losses to the Mumbai civic body. The Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) originally filed the case, with the ED subsequently launching a money laundering probe by registering an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR).

According to the FIR by the EOW, Waikar and associates acquired an 8,000 square meter land on Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link Road in 2004 from the Kamal Amrohi family. The land, initially 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, 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 500 crores.

The ED alleges that between 2004 and 2019, Waikar and associates exploited their political influence, profiting from the potentially unlawful acquisition of BMC land for personal gain. They utilized 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.