ED summons Mira-Bhayander civic body commissioner in land scam probe
ED summons Mira-Bhayander civic body commissioner in land scam probe
Dilip Dhole, the commissioner of the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC), has been called to testify before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as part of a money-laundering probe into an alleged fraud involving builders in Thane.
The ED is probing a case in which several builders and officials of the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) are alleged to have colluded to evade taxes and transfer excess land to builders in violation of the Urban Land Ceiling Regulation Act (ULCRA).
The ED has alleged that Dhole was aware of the scam and did not take any action to stop it. The agency is also probing whether Dhole received any kickbacks from the builders.
Dilip Dhole known to be close aide of CM Eknath Shinde
Dilip Dhole, the commissioner of the Mira-Bhayander civic body who has been called in by the ED in connection with a land fraud investigation, is well-known to be Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s close ally. When Shinde was a minister in the Devendra Fadnavis administration, Dhole worked alongside him.
MBMC transfers Dhole to Vasai-Virar civic body
The ED’s move to summon Dhole comes days after the MBMC transferred him to the post of municipal commissioner of Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation. The transfer is seen as a way to distance Dhole from the land scam probe.
Dhole denies wrongdoing, says will cooperate with ED
Dhole has denied any wrongdoing and said that he will cooperate with the ED’s investigation. However, his close ties to Shinde have raised questions about his possible involvement in the scam.
Land scam a major embarrassment for MBMC
The land scam is a major embarrassment for the MBMC, which is one of the largest civic bodies in Maharashtra. The scam has also raised questions about the role of the state government, which is the ultimate authority over the MBMC.
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ED investigation likely to damage reputation of MBMC, state government
The ED’s investigation is likely to further damage the reputation of the MBMC and the state government. It will also be closely watched by the public, who are demanding accountability from the authorities.
