The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday said it has taken possession of ‘Sai Resort NX’ constructed over land falling under Coastal Regulation Zone (No Development Zone) in Ratnagiri in connection with a money laundering probe against former Maharashtra Minister Anil Parab, Sai Resort NX and others.
“The action has been initiated after the Adjudicating Authority for PMLA, confirmed the provisional attachment of assets worth approximately Rs10.20 crore vide order dated.01.06.2023,” the ED said in a statement.
The ED had initiated the investigation on the basis of a complaint filed by the Ministry of Environmental Forest and Climate Change against Anil Dattatray Parab, the then Minister in Government of Maharashtra, Sai Resort, Sea Conch Resort, and others before Judicial Magistrate First Class, Dapoli for violation of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. At a later stage, an FIR was also registered by Dapoli Police Station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). During the investigation of the FIR, Dapoli Police also found various other crimes related to offences under various sections of IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act which were also included in the case.
“ED Investigation has revealed that Anil Parab and his close associate Sadanand Kadam, hatched a conspiracy and obtained illegal permission from Revenue Department Authorities, State of Maharashtra, through forgery and misdeclaration for construction of Twin Bungalow (Ground + 1 Floor) over a piece of agricultural land falling under “No Development Zone” and subsequently constructed illegal resort namely “Sai Resort NX” having Ground + 2 Floors in blatant disregard of CRZ-III rules and regulations,” the ED said in a statement.
The permission for the construction of twin bungalows was obtained in the name of the earlier owner without his knowledge. Despite knowing that any construction is prohibited over the said piece of agricultural land, the revenue department granted permission because of undue pressure and influence, the ED alleged.
Thereafter, the Gram Panchayat was deceived, misled, cheated and pressurized to transfer the said land along with the building in the name of Anil Parab to legitimize the illegal construction of ‘Sai Resort NX’, it said.