Vasai Virar civic chief’s arrest by ED illegal: HC

Mumbai: The Bombay HC Wednesday declared as illegal ED’s Aug 13 arrest of former Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) commissioner Anil Pawar in an alleged money laundering case and ordered his release from custody.

Pawar, an IAS officer, faced allegations of receiving bribes worth Rs 169 crore for allegedly approving unauthorised construction of 41 buildings.HC Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad said the central agency lacked the “tangible material” necessary for his arrest and set aside his arrest and remand orders. “The whole case of ED is based on the statement of certain architects and developers,” the judges remarked, adding there was nothing on record to show any alleged proceeds of crime went to Pawar.HC also declined a plea by additional solicitor general Anil Singh for ED for a stay on the relief granted to Pawar.