India, Aug. 16 -- The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is conducting a money laundering probe into the construction of 41 illegal, now-demolished buildings in Vasai East, has found that former VVCMC commissioner and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Anil Pawar had fixed the bribe charged from builders at Rs.150 per square foot after he took charge in 2022.

"The charge or commission was levied for turning a blind eye and not taking any action against illegal construction on government and private land," said an ED officer familiar with the probe, requesting anonymity.

Pawar, who allegedly formed a cartel that set in motion large-scale illegal construction in Vasai-Virar, was arrested on Wednesday, along with former deputy di...