Vasai-Virar Illegal Building Scam: Special PMLA Court Discharges Former VVCMC Chief Anil Pawar, Wife And 2 CAs

Mumbai, October 31, 2026 - A special PMLA court has acquitted former Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) chief Anil Pawar, his wife Bharti, and two chartered accountants in a money laundering case linked to illegal constructions in the region. The court cited a timeline of illegal activities and the absence of a quantifiable money trail as reasons for discharging the trio.

The Enforcement Directorate had accused Pawar of collecting Rs 169.18 crore in bribes, including funds used to overlook existing illegal constructions and permit new ones. The court noted that Pawar was not named in the predicate offences and there was no evidence of a money trail passing from the accused to him and his wife. The court also summoned 14 other accused, including Y Shiva Reddy and two builders, for future proceedings.