Mumbai, July 29 (Reporter) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today launched coordinated searches at residences and offices linked to former Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) Commissioner Anilkumar Khanderao Pawar, intensifying a money laundering probe into illegal construction across 60 acres of reserved civic land. Simultaneous raids were conducted targeting 12 locations across Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik connected to the 2014-batch IAS officer, who vacated his commissioner post yesterday following state orders. Maharashtra has appointed M.M. Suryawanshi (IAS) as his successor amid broader bureaucratic reshuffles. In a parallel enforcement surge, the ED froze assets valued at Rs 12.7 crore during a separate operation targeting the Vasai-Virar illegal construction network. The seized holdings include bank balances, demat accounts, mutual funds, fixed deposits, and Rs 26 lakh in cash. Searches spanned 16 sites across Vasai-Virar and Mumbai’s western suburbs, including Kandivali and Juhu — notably covering properties of prominent architect Sanjay Narang. Investigators recovered voluminous incriminating documents and digital evidence during the raids. Preliminary analysis reveals an alleged corruption network involving VVMC officials, architects, chartered accountants, and liaison agents facilitating illegal building approvals and unaccounted fund flows. The ED contends this nexus enabled 41 unauthorized structures on land designated for critical public utilities – specifically sewage treatment plants and dumping grounds. The money laundering case stems from systematic irregularities whereby civic land reservations were allegedly overridden using forged clearances and illicit municipal approvals. Pawar’s sudden transfer precedes the probe’s escalation, with investigators focusing on his oversight role during the period of alleged violations. The frozen assets and seized materials are under forensic examination to establish the money trail and identify all participants in the suspected racket...////...