On Wednesday, the Enforcement Directorate took a significant step in a money laundering investigation linked to alleged irregularities in the redevelopment of Mumbai's Patra Chawl. Immovable properties valued at Rs 73 crore, purportedly belonging to Pravin Raut and his close associates, were seized across various locations in Palghar, Dapoli, Raigad, and Thane.
Pravin Raut, an alleged associate of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, found himself embroiled in this legal entanglement. Notably, both Pravin and Sanjay Raut had been apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate in 2022 in connection with this very case.
The origins of the money laundering probe trace back to an FIR initiated by the Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) against Guru Ashish Construction Private Limited, a company wherein Pravin Raut held a directorial position. The company had undertaken the redevelopment project of Patra Chawl in Goregaon, with the objective of rehabilitating 672 tenants.
The Enforcement Directorate alleged significant financial impropriety during this redevelopment endeavor. Despite a tripartite agreement mandating the provision of flats to tenants and the construction of MHADA flats, the directors of Guru Ashish Construction purportedly deceived MHADA. They allegedly sold Floor Space Index (FSI) to nine developers, pocketing Rs 901.79 crore without fulfilling their contractual obligations.
Further investigation revealed that a portion of the illicit proceeds, amounting to Rs 95 crore, was diverted by Pravin Raut into his personal bank accounts. Utilizing these funds, Pravin Raut purportedly acquired various land parcels directly from farmers or land aggregators in his name or under his firm, Prathmesh Developers.
Moreover, the Enforcement Directorate asserted that Pravin Raut concealed a portion of the ill-gotten gains with associated individuals, while also gifting certain properties to his family members.
In March 2022, the probe agency filed a chargesheet in this case, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation into the alleged financial misconduct surrounding the Patra Chawl redevelopment project.
